Today is Veterans Day, but properly honoring those who serve or have served takes far more than 24 hours. Here is how Concordia celebrated our heroes with special activities throughout the week.
Tuesday: Social work students at Vets Place Central
Since 2017, CUW Veterans Services has helped social work students partner with Vets Place Central, which provides transitional housing for veterans in Milwaukee, to meet with veterans, practice their interviewing skills, and shine a light on their stories and some of the struggles veterans often face. The students take on the task as part of a class, Social Work 326, Skills and Methods of Practice 1, said Sarah Collins, associate professor of social work and director of the masters of social work program.
“This is one of the students’ first opportunities to practice their interviewing skills, sharpen them a little bit, and get to know themselves a little bit more, as members of a larger community,” Collins said. “It’s also a way to honor the veterans for their service and acknowledge everything they’ve done for the country.”
This year, for the first time, students also worked with residents at Boudicca House in Milwaukee, a transitional living facility for women veterans with children.
Assistant professor of art (and renowned photographer) Paul Calhoun was on hand to take portraits of some of the veterans. Later, the students will write a summary of their interviews, which will be paired with the portraits and become part of a display on campus.
Thursday: Cookies, Cupcakes, and Coffee
Each year for the past four years, the Veteran Services department has sponsored “Cookies, Cupcakes, and Coffee,” a fun, informal event to remind people on campus that veterans deserve respect and honor more than once a year.
“You’d be amazed at how many students come up and say, ‘Oh, I have an uncle who served,’ or ‘I have a friend who served,'” Metts explained. “It’s just a nice reminder that our freedoms are not free, and that we should be remembering our veterans every day, not just on Veterans Day.”
Friday: ‘Thank You for Your Service’ luncheon
Today marks the fourth year for this special luncheon honoring agencies and organizations that work with veterans in southeast Wisconsin. Thanks to everyone who supports our veteran community, not just today, but every day of the year. And thank you to those who serve!
Want in?
Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran institution that is proud to be Military Friendly. You can be assured that we are committed to providing first class service to support our Active, Reserve, and Veteran personnel and their families. To learn more about opportunities we offer to our military communities, click the link below.