Liberty University observes Military Appreciation Month, Mike Pompeo to speak at special Convocation

Traditionally a weeklong event, Liberty University’s annual expression of gratitude for those who have served their country in military service is now a monthlong affair.

Liberty is recognizing November as Military Appreciation Month and honoring service members, veterans, and military families by offering a wide range of opportunities for the Liberty family and members of the greater Lynchburg community to show their support.

“Military Appreciation Month is a time for our Liberty community to stop, reflect, and honor all of our service members and veterans who have given so much for our nation and freedom,” Liberty’s Office of Military Affairs Director Emily Foutz said. “We are thankful for the commitment of our leadership, and all offices around campus, who are joining together as a community to give our veterans the recognition and honor they deserve during this special month.”

A Military Appreciation Convocation featuring former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Nov. 12, the day after Veterans Day, will be livestreamed on Liberty’s Facebook page. That morning, Liberty’s Army ROTC will present the colors, the national anthem will be performed by Charles Billingsley, and there will be a special recognition of service members and veterans.

Several athletics teams are taking part in the special recognition of veterans. The women’s volleyball team will take on Florida Gulf Coast University this Friday, Nov. 5, for a Hill City Heroes game, recognizing military and first responders. Flames Football’s home matchups against Louisiana on Nov. 20 and Army on Nov. 27 will include special military recognitions. (Active military and veterans can receive complimentary tickets for themselves and their families to the Nov. 20 game by going to www.vettix.org.) At halftime of the Louisiana game, every military branch will be honored and the traditional Iwo Jima reenactment and fireworks will take place. Liberty will also present its annual George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award. Since 2010, the award has been given each year to a man or woman who served in the United States Armed Forces and went above the call of duty, displaying extraordinary heroism while in the service and continuing to be an outstanding ambassador in their community. The award honors Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medal recipient George Rogers who was taken as a prisoner of war by the Japanese during World War II. Rogers survived and went on to become CEO of the “Old Time Gospel Hour” in 1974 before finishing his career at Liberty as Vice President of Finance and Administration.

Liberty’s ACHA Division I men’s hockey team will dedicate its Nov. 12 game against Ohio to honoring veterans.

Liberty will also host the annual Veterans Reception at the Hancock Welcome Center on Nov. 9, offered for students, faculty, and staff who are current service members or veterans.

On Nov. 13, Liberty will commemorate former faculty member Major Mike Donahue during the Valley View Mike Donahue 5-Miler at the Hydaway Outdoor Center. Donahue, who passed away in the line of duty while overseas, taught ROTC classes from 2008-2010 as an assistant professor of military science at Liberty.

Throughout the month, Liberty’s Office of Military Affairs will also be posting special messages on its social media accounts, including messages honoring past George Rogers Award recipients and livestreams of Military Appreciation Month events to engage the over 40,000 military students in the Liberty family.

For more information, visit the Military Appreciation Month page.