By Jeff Murphy,
October 31, 2016
WARRENSBURG, MO – As the nation observes Veterans Day Friday, Nov. 11 in honor of
the men and women who served in the United States military, members of the University
of Central Missouri, Warrensburg community, and Whiteman Air Force Base are working
jointly to plan a variety of activities to recognize those who gave their lives for
their country. A breakfast, blood drive, Honor Tree, and Salute to Veterans tailgating
event at UCM, as well as ceremonies at Matthews-Crawford American Legion Post 131
and the Missouri Veterans Home are included in this year’s observance.
Kicking off the activities will be an opportunity to recognize men and women in uniform
through the Honor Tree, Monday-Friday, Nov. 7-11, made possible by the Office of Military
and Veteran Services. Located in the atrium of the Elliott Student Union, the Honor
Tree is a way to say “thank you” to different groups affected by past and present
wars. Ribbons in six different colors that represent each of the groups will help
recognize veterans through the Honor Tree. Notecards also will be available to place
on foam boards, along with photographs of service members, to be shared in remembrance
or in honor of those who served and passed away. These boards will be on display following
Veterans Day at the Military and Veterans Success Center, located on the lower level
of the Union.
Other activities at UCM include the Military and Veterans Appreciation Breakfast from
7 to 9:30 a.m. Nov. 11 in the Ellis Dining Center. This is the third year for the
event. It features a free breakfast provided by UCM Dining Service and Sodexo for
UCM faculty, staff, and active military and veteran students with a military or veteran
ID. All other guests can eat breakfast for a special price of $4.99 per person. Jeff
Huffman, director of Military and Veteran Services, will provide the welcome and special
remarks at 8 a.m.
To honor those who have given their lives for others, area residents also can help
save lives by participating in in the fifth annual American Red Cross Military Appreciation
Blood Drive. This event takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Elliott Student Union
238 and 240, and is sponsored by UCM Military and Veteran Services, the Office of
Campus Activities, UCM’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) Fighting Mules
Battalion, UCM Volunteer Services, UCM Student Veterans Organization, and Wing It,
a program that involves the university and Whiteman Air Force Base. All presenting
donors will receive free pizza and a coupon for a free taco while supplies last. Participants
are encouraged to make appointments in advance, however, walk-ins are welcome. To
sign up for the blood drive, visit redcrossblood.org and enter the sponsor code: UCMO.
Call 660-543-4007 or email kbrinkley@ucmo.edu to schedule an appointment.
At 11 a.m. Nov. 11, Matthews-Crawford American Legion Post 131, 733 E. Young St.,
Warrensburg, provides the setting for a Veterans Day Ceremony. The event is open to
everyone, and features guest speaker Major Kelly Courtland, who represents the 509th
LRS at Whiteman. Desert Storm veterans will be recognized during the ceremony. A luncheon
also is planned for VFW and American Legion members following the event at a cost
of $5 per person. Advance registration is requested for the luncheon by contacting
the American Legion at 660-747-5957.
The Missouri Veterans Home, 1300 Veterans Road, will host a ceremony honoring servicemen
and women at 3 p.m. Nov. 11. Former Army Ranger Chris Bemiss, who now dedicates his
life to helping veterans transition from active military service to civilian life,
will be the guest speaker for the event. It also includes participation from members
of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion posts. A slide show containing
hundreds of photos representing the Missouri Veterans Home in Warrensburg will be
available for viewing.
Service members, veterans and their family members are also invited to attend the
Nov. 11 Jennies basketball game for free with a military ID at 1 p.m. in the Multipurpose
Building. The Jennies volleyball team also competes at 6 p.m. in the Multipurpose
Building. UCM Athletics invites all service members, veterans and their families to
attend free with a military ID.
UCM President Charles Ambrose will host a Salute to Veterans Day Tailgate event from
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, prior to the Mules football game. The tailgate
takes place at Holden and Union streets, near the north entrance to the Union. It
features a special Salute to Veterans program, music, food and family fun. An open
house also is planned during this time at the Military and Veterans Success Center.
Register for the event and learn more at events@ucmno.edu or by contacting the Alumni
Foundation office at 660-543-8000.
Immediately following the tailgate activities, UCM Athletics invites active duty service
members, veterans and their families to attend the Mules vs. Lindenwood Lions football
game at 1 p.m. at Audrey J. Walton Stadium and Vernon Kennedy Field. Free admission
is available to individuals with a military ID.
