The University of Central Arkansas honored U.S. military veterans, current service members and military families during its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 5, in McCastlain Hall Ballroom.
The celebration, held each year on the Thursday before Veterans Day, brings together the UCA campus and Conway community to recognize and show appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.
“Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to honor those who have served our country and recognize the lasting impact of their service,” Jay Faulkner, director of the UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center, said. “Through this celebration, we recognize the contributions of our veterans and active service members while connecting military-connected students and families with resources and support at UCA and beyond.”
World War II Veteran Floyd Brantley, Bronze Star with Valor recipient Josh Sledd and UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center Director Jay Faulkner.
Brantley, Sledd salute after pinning.
During the afternoon ceremony, Josh Sledd received a Bronze Star with Valor, pinned by World War II Veteran Floyd Brantley.
Tracy Tidwell, Kassidy McJunkins, Mark Tidwell
UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center Director Jay Faulkner and Timothy Carter.
Two UCA student veterans were recognized with scholarships in honor of their dedication and service. Kassidy McJunkins received the Tidwell Scholarship from Mark and Tracy Tidwell, and Timothy Carter received the Veterans Day Scholarship from the University of Central Arkansas Veterans Day Committee.
The ceremony also included remarks to honor the late Dr. Mark Elrod, an Armed Forces Salute and musical performances by UCA’s Pinnacle Brass.
In addition to the ceremony, the event featured a Veterans Information Fair with resources for veterans and military families, including employment opportunities, education benefits, VA home loans, disability claims and health care enrollment.
The Veterans Day Celebration is coordinated by the UCA Veterans Day Committee and the UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center, which provides education benefit support, transition assistance and community connections for student veterans, service members and their dependents.
More information about the UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center is available at uca.edu/veteranservices or by contacting 501-852-2999 or veteranservices@uca.edu.