Today marks the start of National Veterans and Military Families Month, offering us an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of service demonstrated by our military personnel and their families, who have given so much to our communities and our country. East Tennessee State University has a proud tradition of military service and excellence. Our university has produced 17 generals and flag officers — an astounding number for a non-military institution of this size. More than 950 military-affiliated students are currently enrolled, with that number increasing by nearly 27 percent in the last two years alone.
Our campus also is home to the number one ROTC program in Tennessee and one of the premier battalions in the country. The Buc Battalion has shown remarkable growth and achievement, with 2023 marking its largest enrollment in 20 years. These young leaders are not only preparing for future service but are also excelling today, regularly placing in the top three of national endurance events. In fact, two of our cadets have earned a spot to compete in the Spartan DEKA World Championships in Dallas, Texas, in December. Their strength, both physical and mental, is a source of immense pride for our institution.
Each year, for more than a decade, ETSU has received the prestigious “Military Friendly” designation, a badge of honor that signifies our continued efforts to provide the best possible education and resources to our military-affiliated students and their families. Through our Military and Veteran Services Center, we provide numerous resources to support active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, veterans, and their families. These include assistance navigating VA benefits, priority registration, scholarships and financial aid, academic coaching and mentoring, career services, and more.
ETSU's support for our military community extends beyond the campus grounds. Our Veterans Upward Bound program can help veterans prepare for and pursue various types of postsecondary education. The College of Business and Technology’s STRIVE program offers free entrepreneurship training to help veterans, reservists, and National Guard members transition their skills into successful business ventures. Through our close-knit partnership with the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center (which recently celebrated its 120th anniversary), ETSU students, faculty, and staff are also working together to ensure we provide veterans with the highest quality health care. Since its launch, the Martin Center has donated more than 200 tickets to Vet Tix, ensuring that veterans have the opportunity to partake in the enriching experiences of the performing arts.
These benefits are insufficient repayment of the debt we owe our past and present service members and their families. We offer them, however, out of heartfelt gratitude for those who have given so much to our country.
In recognition of the contributions and sacrifices of veterans throughout our region, we will hold our annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. I encourage everyone to attend as we pay tribute to their service. Additionally, on that day, we invite all veterans to join us in the dining hall for a free lunch to express our immense gratitude. Veterans may pick up a free meal ticket at the Military and Veteran Services Center in Yoakley Hall, at the ROTC offices in Brooks Gym, or the Office of Equity and Inclusion in Burgin Dossett Hall. This invitation extends to all veterans, not just those enrolled at ETSU.
Throughout this month, I encourage each member of our campus community to honor the commitment of our military service members and their families by reflecting on ways you can give back to a cause greater than yourself. In doing so, we will not only strengthen our community but also uphold the values for which they have served.
Thank you to our veterans and military families. Your courage, commitment, and sacrifice shape the very fabric of our nation and our ETSU community.
