Arizona State University (ASU) will honor Vietnam veterans and their families as part of this year’s Salute to Service events, which will take place from November 7 to 16. The tribute coincides with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and is described as a “welcome home” for these veterans.
The university has scheduled over a dozen events across its Phoenix metro campuses. Highlights include the Salute to Service football game against West Virginia, which also serves as the Sun Devil’s Homecoming game.
“Salute to Service coinciding with Homecoming makes this year’s celebration extra special,” said Michelle Loposky, Salute to Service committee chair and strategic partnerships director with the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. “It’s truly a blend of the two, a homecoming for our Sun Devil family and for our Vietnam veterans.”
ASU alumnus Andy Gilb, who graduated in 1973 after completing ROTC at ASU and served on active duty as an Army officer, shared his perspective on honoring Vietnam veterans: “Although I never did a tour in Vietnam, most of the non-commissioned officers I served with had done multiple tours,” Gilb said. “I greatly respected them for their sacrifices and strong leadership.
“ASU recognizing Vietnam veterans, or any veterans, is outstanding. It’s the right thing to do. Those veterans did their job, served their time, and to have that remembrance in their honor is impressive.”
ASU supports more than 20,000 military-connected learners including veterans, active duty members, Guard members, reservists and military family members. The Pat Tillman Veterans Center provides resources for these students as they transition into academic life and prepare for careers after graduation.
The schedule features events such as panel discussions about military history and technology innovations presented by ASU’s applied humanities group and Office for Veterans and Military Academic Engagement. There are also community activities like fitness challenges themed around Pat Tillman’s legacy; luncheons celebrating participants in veteran portrait projects; health expos showcasing veteran-owned businesses; film screenings focusing on issues like PTSD among service members; book group discussions led by alumni authors; ceremonies marking milestones since the end of the Vietnam War; concerts featuring performances from ASU music groups; tailgate celebrations before major football games; flag football tournaments between ROTC teams; volunteer opportunities supporting veteran causes; suicide awareness walks inspired by legislation honoring lost service members; among others.
Several events are open to students, faculty, alumni and members of the public.
According to a press release from the City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420, ASU collaborates with local agencies such as developing ‘smart’ traffic cameras through its tech startup Argos Vision in pilot programs aimed at improving community safety.
In addition to its work supporting veterans and innovation initiatives like Argos Vision’s smart cameras https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/street-transportation/2420, Arizona State University has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to higher education. For eight consecutive years it was named number one in innovation by U.S. News & World Report https://news.asu.edu/20220911-university-news-asu-no-1-innovation-us-news-world-report-eighth-year?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=asu&utm_campaign=ASURankings&utm_term=USNWR. The university was also ranked highly in business, nursing and engineering undergraduate programs.
A full list of Salute to Service events can be found on ASU’s website.
###
