Community invited to celebrate service, honor veterans; Sledd to receive Bronze Star
The University of Central Arkansas will host its annual Veterans Day Celebration Thursday, Nov. 5, in McCastlain Hall Ballroom, featuring a Veterans Information Fair and a ceremony honoring U.S. military veterans and active service members.
“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.”
The Veterans Information Fair will begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 3:30 p.m. The fair will feature a variety of organizations offering valuable information and assistance to veterans and military families, including employment opportunities, education benefits, VA home loans, disability claims and health care enrollment.
At 1:40 p.m., UCA will host a Veterans Day Ceremony recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans across all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. The ceremony will include the presentation of a Bronze Star with Valor to Josh Sledd, pinned by World War II Veteran Floyd Brantley; remarks to honor the late Dr. Mark Elrod; an Armed Forces Salute; and musical performances by UCA’s Pinnacle Brass.
During the ceremony, Kassidy McJunkins will receive the Mark and Tracy Tidwell Scholarship, and Timothy Carter will receive the Veterans Day Scholarship in recognition of their dedication and service.
Both the fair and ceremony are free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.
More information about the event is available by contacting the UCA Veterans and Military Resource Center at 501-852-2999 or veteranservices@uca.edu.
The University of Central Arkansas has received the Military Friendly Schools gold award for 2026-2027 for creating meaningful education paths for the military community.