Our Military Family: DSU Celebrates National Veterans and Military Families Month

As we enter November’s National Veterans and Military Families Month, Delaware State University proudly announces a series of initiatives that reflect our deep commitment to our military community. For me, as Director of DSU at Dover Air Force Base, and my colleague, our Director of Veteran Affairs, this month holds deep personal meaning. We’re not just administrators talking about supporting veterans – we’ve walked in those boots. We’re Army veterans ourselves, and like many of you, we have family members who’ve served too.

Three Pillars of Support: Because It All Matters
I’ve seen firsthand how small gestures can make a big impact in the lives of our military community. That’s why we’re launching three initiatives that touch different aspects of military service and sacrifice.

We Remember: POW/MIA Chair of Honor
An empty chair speaks volumes. So, on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2024, we’ll gather for a profound ceremony to dedicate our POW/MIA Chair of Honor. This powerful symbol, the “empty chair,” represents the more than 81,000 American service members who never made it home. As with our dedication of the Tuskegee Airman campus memorial, this ceremony further cements our commitment to remembering those who served and sacrificed. We’re honored to have AF veteran and author, Andre Swygert and Col. Debbi Harrington (retired), our Board of Trustee 1st Vice Chair, share their perspectives at the dedication. The ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m., and we’ll have a reception afterward where we can share stories and remember together.

We Listen: “Their Stories: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Spirit”
You know what we’ve learned in our time working with active duty servicemembers and veterans? Everyone has a story worth telling. That’s the essence of the “Their Stories: Honoring Service, Sacrifice, and Spirit” initiative. We’re creating space for our veterans, student veterans, and military families to share their journeys. And these aren’t just stories – they’re little glimpses of history. They’re lessons in courage and sacrifice and unbreakable bonds. Throughout November, we’ll feature these stories on our website and social media. Watch this space – you might see a classmate or colleague in a whole new light.

We Show Support: Wear R.E.D. Friday
Here’s something simple but powerful we all can do: wear red on Fridays. Starting November 1, we’re asking everyone – students, faculty, staff, everyone – to break out their DSU red attire. Yes, it’s our school color, but RED also stands for Remember Everyone Deployed. When you see a sea of red on campus, you’ll know you’re part of something bigger. Share your RED Friday photos on social media with #WearRED4TroopsDSU – let’s show our deployed service members that the heart of Hornets Nation is with them.

Why This Matters to Us: A Personal Connection
As veterans ourselves, we understand the unique challenges and triumphs of military service. When we see servicemembers or student veterans succeed in their classes or wrestle with the transition to civilian life, it takes us back to our own journeys. When we talk about our families’ military service, we understand the pride and the worry that comes with having a loved one—my son, in particular—in uniform. That’s why we’re committed to making these initiatives work—not just because it’s our jobs—but because this work matters.

The empty chair will remind us to pause and remember. The stories we share will help us understand each other better. And those RED Fridays? They’ll show everyone that DSU doesn’t just talk about supporting our military community – we live it.

Join Us
We invite all members of the DSU community to join us! Whether you’re a veteran, a military family member, or someone who just wants to show support, there’s a place for you in these initiatives. Stop by our office, share your story, wear your red proudly. Because here at DSU, everything we do to support our military family matters.

Want to get involved or share your story as a military affiliated member of DSU?

STUDENTS – Complete this online form
FACULTY/STAFF – Complete this online form

Log in using your DESU email and password
Complete the two-step verification
Supply your responses and upload your photo

And remember, my door’s always open at the Dover Air Force Base location, and our Veteran Affairs office would love to hear from you too.

With deep respect and solidarity,

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

Devon Wilson
Office of Veteran Affairs
Veteran, US Army