In our hearts, around campus and the Port of San Diego

Note: This message was originally sent on November 10, 2022

I was reminded by my colleague Lt. Col. (Ret.) Alan Westfield this week of the seven values of the U.S. Army—loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage—and I couldn't help but reflect on the ways in which those values align with Gonzaga University. Every day on this campus and throughout the world, I see examples of Zags demonstrating loyalty and respect in the way they treat their fellow humans. Gonzaga's mission to form and inspire service-oriented people for others unites with those seven values and goes on display at oh-dark-thirty each morning when the members of the Bulldog Battalion take to Mulligan Field for physical fitness training. Cadets today, members of Gonzaga's ROTC will someday follow in the footsteps of many Zag military veterans whose lives of selfless service, honor and integrity are an inspiration to us all—especially today.  

Alan said, as Americans, we have it better than any place else on Earth. Its important to remember the sacrifices that brought us to this position and what we can do to make it better.  

That's what Veterans Day is all about, and its the reason Gonzaga cares so deeply for its veteran and active service members. Their sacrifices—some ultimate—afford us the freedoms to engage with important topics and work to make a difference in the lives of our fellow Americans and global neighbors.  

On campus, vets are being honored through displays in the Hemmingson Center and Foley Library (pictured to the left/below), and tomorrow at President McCulloh's special Veterans Day Lunch, featuring keynote speaker Charlita Shelton, Marine Corps veteran and Gonzagas chief of staff.  You can read President McCulloh's veterans day message here. 

I invite you to watch this video, featuring Gonzaga ROTC Bulldog Battalion alum, U.S. Army veteran, 2011 Tillman Scholar and now the CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation Dan Futrell (05) in conversation with 2022 Tillman Scholar, U.S. Army veteran and Gonzaga Law student Jennifer Scanlon.  In particular, I think you will find their reflections on their Gonzaga experience quite in spiring they put into words what we hope each and every student experiences at GU. 

Additionally, I'm including a little sneak-peek at Gonzaga's 2022 Advent calendar, which will feature fresh content each day as we count down to Christmas together—one of the days will include the Zags Military Service downloadable graphic you can use on social media, as a printed piece, on your desktop/phone/tablet background, or any other way you want to show your own appreciation for veterans, and current and future service members. This image is available to you today —simply save it to use wherever you'd like.  This image will also be part of launching Gonzaga's Military Service Alumni Community in the spring. 

Also coming up in the spring of 2023, Gonzaga will commemorate the 75^th Anniversary of its ROTC program—more to come on those celebrations and how you can be involved. 

And lets prepare to cheer on our mens basketball team tomorrow (3:30 pm ESPN) as they take on Michigan State University in the Armed Forces Classic aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in San Diego.  Its sure to be a fierce game as the two teams battle it out on the deck of the Navy aircraft carrier.  While many will be watching from around the planet, we are most excited for the 2,500 active duty military members and their family members who will be in the bleachers cheering on the teams. We always cheer for our Zags and on this special day we will cheer just a bit louder for those who will be sitting courtside – grateful for their service, sacrifice and inspiration. 

With so much gratitude for all tomorrow represents, I hope you get time to reflect on those who have served in the United States Military.  Remember that veterans and their families need us, too. Reach out today—extend a hand and take action to express gratitude for what you have that they made possible. Take a vet to coffee and listen to their stories. You and they will be glad that you did.