Note: This message was originally sent on November 10, 2021
On this eve, of a very special day, I would like to share with you a poignant reflection from Michael Powell’s tribute to his father Colin Powell:
“We walk through this life holding hands with the ones we love. They guide us. They pull us out of harm’s way. They touch and caress us with love and kindness. One of my most powerful memories comes from holding my dad’s hand…that hand is still now, but it left a deep imprint on the lives of family and dear friends, soldiers and sailors, presidents and prime ministers and a generation of aspiring young people.”
He continues, “My father made a monumental difference. He lived. He lived well…Are we still making his kind? I believe the answer to that question is up to us. To honor his legacy, I hope we do more than consign him to the history books. I hope we recommit ourselves to being a nation where we are still making his kind.”
To put one’s life on the line for the benefit of someone else is one of the most heroic things a person can do. Veterans of the United States Military who have sacrificed to serve and protect our nation deserve our utmost respect and admiration.
We are honored to bring to you the voices of three current Gonzaga University student veterans, who in this video share their stories of service and study. Supported by several scholarships, programs and staff dedicated to their success, these Zag veterans are joined by 96 other student veterans who bring unique perspectives and a broad diversity of experiences to campus, benefitting all students, faculty, and staff. Gonzaga University is so proud of all its student, alumni, faculty, and staff who have served in the Armed Forces, including those who have been part of the nationally recognized Bulldog Battalion ROTC program. In fact, this year, Gonzaga University was nationally ranked in the top 13% as one of the best colleges for veterans, and again was honored to be designated a military-friendly school.
Tonight, tomorrow and every day, we want to honor every Zag who has been part of so bravely defending our freedom. We are also truly grateful and proud of those who continue to demonstrate their commitment to our nation and its people through their service—Zags like:
- Joseph Caravalho ’79, retired Major General of the U.S. Army Medical Corps and alumnus of the Bulldog Battalion who currently serves on Gonzaga’s Board of Trustees, as president and CEO of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, and as board director for the Wounded Warrior Project
- Charlita Shelton, veteran of the U.S. Marines, currently serves as Gonzaga’s Chief of Staff
- Dan Futrell ’05, retired U.S. Army Captain who currently serves as CEO of the Pat Tillman Foundation
- CPT Rachel Johnson, ‘17, proud member of the Army Nurse Corps and currently serving as a Medical Detachment Commander
- Thayne McCulloh ’89, a veteran of the U.S. Army who currently serves as the 26th president of Gonzaga University
- LTC Eduardo Rodriguez ’98, who is currently serving as department chair and professor of Military Science at Gonzaga University
- Kate Murphy ‘13, veteran of the U.S. Army, who currently serves as a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation
- LTC (R) Alan Westfield (alumnus of GU’s MOL program),who serves as Assistant Professor, Military Science at Gonzaga, is a mentor and friend to hundreds of GU ROTC alumni. Also an author: From 12, 280’ – capturing the power of our School of Leadership Studies
And a special callout in memory of a very special friend…. Felix Aripa, Coeur d’Alene tribal elder, who served in the Navy during World War II and was aboard the USS Thompson on D-Day at Omaha Beach. Felix received an honorary degree from Gonzaga in 2013. (Please see the post from Natiive Veterans below).
