The Reason We Serve: Honoring Our Oath on Constitution Day

Greetings Veterans, Service members and Prospective Military Students,

As we commemorate Constitution Day, I’m reminded of the connection between the oath we all took and the document we’re celebrating: the United States Constitution. As Director for Delaware State University (DSU) Dover AFB Operations and a proud Army veteran, I feel a deep sense of purpose in speaking to you today. 

It still seems like yesterday when I lifted my right hand in the air and vowed to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.” Naturally, I was a bit nervous, but I was also filled with a sense of pride. You too, have uttered those words that unite us in a sacred bond that goes well beyond our time in uniform. They remind us why we serve, why we sacrifice, and why the pursuit of education and personal development is so vital to our mission.

For us, the Constitution, signed generations and generations ago is more than just a historical document. It’s our mandate. It’s the reason we miss birthdays, holidays, and countless of precious moments with our loved ones. It lends meaning to the long hours we serve, the arduous training, and the sacrifices great and small that define military life. Every time we put on the uniform, we not only represent our respective branch of service – we stand for the ideas and principles that have governed our nation for more than two centuries.

As we navigate the waves of societal shifts and changing cultural values, the Constitution remains our steady compass. Even as we evolve as a nation and rethink what it means to be American, this extraordinary text remains our foundation. Its ideals bind us together—not as a strict rulebook, but as a flexible framework that adapts to society’s changing needs while protecting the essential liberties and fundamental rights that define us. Your contributions, both in uniform and academically, are critical to this ongoing journey.

In my journey from active duty to my role here at DSU, I’ve seen firsthand how education amplifies our ability to serve. That’s why I’m so passionate about our partnership with Dover Air Force Base. We at DSU understand the unique challenges you face as servicemembers pursuing education. The late-night study sessions after long shifts, the deployments that can disrupt academic plans, the constant juggling of duties – we see you, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

At DSU, we live by the motto “It All Matters.” This philosophy resonates deeply with our military community because you understand, perhaps better than anyone, that every action, every decision, every moment of service matters. In your military duties and in your academic pursuits, it all contributes to the greater good of our nation and to your personal growth.

I want to take a moment to highlight the dedicated support we offer to our military-affiliated students. While I primarily serve our active-duty servicemembers and their dependents, my colleague Mr. Wilson, our Director of Veteran Affairs, focuses on supporting our veterans and their dependents. Together, with DSU’s dedicated staff and faculty members, we are committed to ensuring that every member of our military community receives the assistance they require. We appreciate the specific obstacles you may face and want you to “be at ease” during your academic adventure at DSU.

We value your military experience, so if you’re thinking about joining the Hornets Nation, know that your discipline, leadership, and adaptability are precisely the traits that will enable you to succeed at DSU and beyond. And to the service members, who are already a part of the DSU community, know that we appreciate you, and value all that you bring to the table, sharing your perspectives and life experiences with us in the classroom. You make DSU stronger.

This Constitution Day, let us remember the significance of our pledge and the honor of serving. Your service is continued by every class you attend, every assignment you finish, and every degree you obtain. These individual accomplishments provide you with new skills to uphold and promote the principles outlined in our Constitution.

Remember, at DSU, we believe it all matters – every effort, every sacrifice, every step forward in your education and service.

The document we honor today guarantees the very freedoms that allow us to pursue education and personal growth. By furthering your education, you’re not just improving yourself – you’re strengthening our nation’s foundation.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to our country, your dedication to personal growth, and your trust in DSU to be a part of your journey. Happy Constitution Day, and remember – at Dover AFB and DSU, you’re not just students or servicemembers. You’re the guardians of our nation’s most sacred principles, and everything you do matters.

With deep respect and solidarity,

Lolita Treadwell
Director for DSU Dover AFB (DAFB)
Proud Veteran, US Army