Colorado State University Honors Veterans during University’s Veterans Week Nov. 5-12

Colorado State University will honor those who have served our country during Veterans Week Nov. 5-12.

“CSU student veterans are an integral part of the CSU community, and bring a level of diversity of thought and experience that enriches everyone whether student, staff or faculty,” said retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jenny Pickett, interim director of the Adult Learner and Veteran Services office. “The events of this week have been planned and implemented by student-veterans to honor the sacrifices of their peers and help CSU and Fort Collins better understand the roles we all play to better ourselves and our communities.”

Events include a veterans breakfast, a Veterans Print Project reception, Veteran Stand Down, on-campus participation in the National Roll Call, a display of flags on the Lory Student Center plaza to commemorate those who have given their life in military service since the WWI, the third annual Veterans Day 5K and a Salute to Veterans at the CSU vs. UNLV football game on Nov. 10. Additionally, this year’s Veterans Day keynote address will be delivered at the Veteran’s Plaza of Northern Colorado by Maj. Gen. Ron Sega, U.S. Air Force, retired and currently CSU’s vice president for Energy and the Environment.

This year’s Veterans Day 5K run/walk will honor Staff Sgt. Mike Parrott, Army National Guard. Parrott was a long-time and beloved employee of CSU’s facilities department, leaving only to honor his commitment to his Army service. Parrott paid the ultimate sacrifice for his country in 2004, leaving a legacy of service and sacrifice, which is honored by both the CSU community and veterans in and around Fort Collins.

This year’s Veterans Day 5K begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 10 on CSU’s Oval. To register for the race, visit http://www.active.com/running/fort-collins-co/veterans-day-5k-2012. All proceeds from the 5K will benefit the CSU Veterans Scholarship to assist a student-veteran living with disabilities related to military service.

Other events include:

Veterans Breakfast
8-10 a.m. Nov. 5, ALVS Office, Room 195, Lory Student Center
This event kicks off the week with free bagels and fruit for CSU and community veterans. It is a simple thank you for all of the hard work and sacrifices that veterans have made for our country.

Flag Display on Campus
Nov. 5 – Nov. 9, Lory Student Center plaza
There will be a flag display just east of the LSC with more than 400 American flags showcased, one for each of the 1,000 soldiers killed at war.

Veterans Print Project Reception
7-9 p.m. Nov. 8, CSU Library Banquet Ballroom
The Veterans Print Project links veterans with artists to depict the veteran’s story in artwork. The art and a written summary of the veteran’s stories will be unveiled at this event and be displayed throughout the following week. The artist and veteran will also present the pieces and talk about the project at the exhibition opening. The goal of the project is to bring awareness to CSU student-veterans and their stories, as well as form a greater connection between artists, veterans and the community. The event is free and open to the public.

Veteran Stand Down
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 9, Catholic Charities, 460 Linden Center Drive, Fort Collins
This event gives back to those who have given so much. Veterans will be given a meal, cold weather clothing, outdoor sleeping materials and haircuts, as well as other resources from around the community, such as bicycle repair, health screenings and flu shots. Volunteers are greatly appreciated.

Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk
9-10:30 a.m. Nov. 10, CSU Oval
The third annual Veterans Day 5k will be in honor of former CSU facilities employee and Army Staff Sgt. Mike Parrott. All proceeds from the race will go to a scholarship for disabled CSU student-veterans. Race registration is through active.com, and all ages and abilities are welcome. Teams of three or more are given a discount when registering. Come out to run, walk, jog or volunteer in honor Mike Parrott and other veterans’ sacrifice.

Veterans Day Ceremony
Noon-2 p.m. Nov. 10, Veteran’s Plaza of Northern Colorado, Spring Canyon Community Park, 2626 West Horsetooth Road, Fort Collins
CSU Vice President for Energy and the Environment and retired Air Force Maj. Gen.Ron Sega will present this year’s Veterans Day keynote address. This event will honor and recognize those who have served our country. Fort Collins Mayor Karen Weitkunat, former Mayor Ray Martinez and other Fort Collins representatives will be in attendance. This event is organized by the CSU Air Force ROTC.

CSU Football Game Halftime Recognition for Veterans
5-8 p.m. Nov. 10, Sonny Lubick Field at Hughes Stadium
The Army and Air Force ROTC programs will host a tailgate at the UNLV game. A special dedication in honor of the troops, including a flag ceremony, will occur during the halftime show. Come out and cheer for our Rams and support our troops!

Veterans Roll Call
7 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 12, Lory Student Center plaza
This event offers the opportunity to remember those who have died for their country. The names of more than 6,500 military personnel who died in Iraq and Afghanistan will be read aloud throughout the day. A national moment of silence will occur at noon to honor those who gave everything they could in the name of honor and courage. To volunteer to read names for 10-15 minute intervals, contact Drew Waldbauer at ALVS_Staff@mail.colostate.edu or at (970) 491-3977.

For more information about the week’s events, visit www.adultstudents.colostate.edu/.

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