UCA Annual Veterans Day Event will be held on November 5, 2026
Don’t miss our Veteran Information Fair, Ceremony, and Musical Guests!
Come and have the opportunity to visit with 30 organizations that support veterans, military personnel, and their families. Get information about benefits, services, assistance, and resources from federal, state, private, and nonprofit organizations.
2026 Information Fair
McCastlin Hall, UCA
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2026 Ceremony, Scholarship Presentation, and Musical Guests
McCastlin Hall, UCA
Time: 1:40 – 2:30 p.m.
The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) will observe its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, November 5, 2026. The information fair will begin at 1:00 p.m., and the ceremony will start at 1:40 p.m. The event will honor the service of all veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces. Refreshments will be served after the ceremony. The Veterans Information Fair offers valuable information on employment opportunities, support services, and other resources available to veterans on campus and in the community. In addition, students will be awarded scholarships during the ceremony. We encourage you to join us by attending the ceremony and becoming an exhibitor at the Information Fair event. We welcome businesses and organizations of all kinds to come out to support our local veterans by sharing information and/or showcasing their business to attendees.
Special Guest:
Born in Nacogdoches, Texas, Mr. Brantley’s life was shaped by both loss and a deep sense of duty. His older brother, who served aboard the USS Atlanta, was killed during the battle of Guadalcanal in World War II. Inspired by his brother’s sacrifice, Brantley answered the call to serve his country at just 18 years old, choosing to enlist despite being offered a deferment. Brantley entered the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman with the 1st Marine Division, serving in the Pacific theater, including the Russell Islands, Guadalcanal, and Guam. During his service, he witnessed the realities of combat, including the fierce fighting at Saipan. Yet, even amid the hardships of war, he experienced moments of compassion and humanity.
Following World War II, Brantley returned home, completed high school, attended Stephen F. Austin College in Nacogdoches, and later transferred to Baylor University, where he joined the Air Force ROTC.
When the Korean War began, he was called to active duty as a medic before transitioning to the Air Force as a transportation officer, serving in Busan, South Korea. Two decades later, during the Vietnam era, Brantley once again answered the call to serve, reenlisting in the Air National Guard. He served an additional 7 years before retiring as a Captain. In total, Mr. Brantley dedicated more than 23 years of military service across three conflicts.
His life stands as an extraordinary example of service above self, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Today, we are honored to recognize not only his remarkable military career, but also the legacy of service he represents. And just recently, Mr. Brantley celebrated his 101st birthday.
Joshua Sledd, a current psychology major at the University of Central Arkansas, served in the United States Army from 2004 to 2008. In 2005, he deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 3rd Infantry Division. Sledd’s actions during his service in Eastern Baghdad were initially recommended for the Bronze Star Medal; however, the award was subsequently downgraded to an Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM). Following a later review by a military review panel, the original recognition was reinstated, and Sledd was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in June 2025.
Following his military service, Sledd pursued a career as a surgical technologist and earned an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Arkansas State University-Beebe. He has also demonstrated a passion for writing, with his poetry published in ASU-Beebe’s literary magazine, Uncharted.
In addition to his academic and professional accomplishments, Sledd has served as a public speaker at ASU-Beebe, sharing his experiences and perspectives on military service with students and members of the community.
Some of the vendors that have signed up in the past for this event include:
Arkansas Dept of WorkForce Connections (Disabled Vets Outreach)
ARNG Reserve Component Transition Assistance Advisor
Cadron Post DAR
Disabled American Veterans (DAV)
Faulkner County Veterans Service Office
Gentiva Hospice
HHC 239th BEB
Jacksonville Museum of Military History
Little Rock Mobile Vet Center
Military OneSource Arkansas
Office of Congressman French Hill
Office of the Staff Judge Advocate
Operation Red, White, and Brave
Quilts of Valor – Second Tour Group
Soldier and Family Readiness (Joint Service Support)
Student Veterans of America, UCA Chapter
The City of Hope Outreach
The American Legion, Theodore Campbell Post 16
We are the 22
WoodmenLife
Acxiom
CAVHS Health & Wellness Dept
Veterans Health Administration – Vocational Rehabilitation
Dept. Of Veteran Affairs Readiness & Employment
Veteran Benefit Administration
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare Center (Local Recovery Coordinator)
Global Life Liberty National
UCA Army ROTC
U.S. Army Recruiter
AARP Arkansas