A salute to our veterans

Britta Gamino

The Signal

Left to right: Cadets Eric Gehman, Weston O’Neill, Jared Dalpe, and Drew Spicer. This photo is from the 2009 Veterans Day event at UHCL. Photo courtesy of University Advancement.

Vintage military equipment, an Army National Guard helicopter and an array of inspiring presentations are set to highlight UHCL’s annual Veterans Day celebration. The event will kick off Thursday, Nov. 11, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Liberty Park, located behind the Student Services Classroom Building.

“This year we will be recognizing the United States Air Force,” said Cheryl Rohde, executive secretary in the Office of University Advancement and Veterans Day coordinator. “We are expecting a turnout of about 600 people.”

Those attending can expect a special tribute for veterans from Emmy-nominated Juan Manuel and the singing of the National Anthem by 135 fourth-grade students from Teague Elementary. Southwest Airlines pilot and U.S. Air Force veteran Larry Thomas will be this year’s keynote speaker. In addition, the Clear Lake High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, 2nd Battalion will provide a presentation of colors.

“I come from a family of veterans so for me [Veterans Day] really signifies a day of remembrance for their sacrifice and what they have gone through for our country to protect us,” said Jared Dalpe, battalion commander of the JROTC, 2nd Battalion at Clear Lake High School.

Attendees can bring their unwanted and gently used cell phones to the event to donate to Cell Phones for Soldiers. Proceeds from the recycled cell phones will go to provide pre-paid calling cards and cell phones to troops serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.

“As a veteran, I believe honoring veterans in the community increases community engagement and improves relationships across cultural, religious and ethnic backgrounds,” said Rebecca Smith, U.S. Army veteran and UHCL Student Government Association president. “Veterans come from all different backgrounds and celebrating their service in the military allows them to feel personally connected to the people for whom they safeguarded freedom.”

Admission is free and open to the public.

In case of inclement weather, the event will be moved inside the Bayou Building. For more information regarding this event, contact Cheryl Rohde at 281-283-2024.

“Freedom isn’t free and, other than God, I need to thank someone for preserving it the best we can,” said John E. Jerabeck, Brazoria County Veteran Service officer.