Dear Students and Colleagues,

Today, we pay tribute to all who have served in the United States Armed Forces as we reflect on their patriotism, service and sacrifice in defending our nation.

A total of 300 veterans are currently enrolled here at Temple University and more than 135 serve our community as faculty and staff members. These individuals have successfully navigated through some of the most complex and demanding circumstances. They are leaders and heroes, and they also reflect the richly diverse community that defines Temple.

We are deeply committed to supporting veteran and military-affiliated students throughout their Temple journeys by ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. We proudly participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which works to offset tuition costs that are not covered by the post-9/11 GI Bill.

I invite you to attend Temple s Veterans Day Ceremony today at 11 a.m. in Mitten Hall, sponsored by the Office of Military and Veteran Services. This annual event offers the entire Temple community an opportunity to come together to honor veterans contributions and express our gratitude for the sacrifices made by our military and veteran community in service to our country.

In addition, the Division of Student Affairs is partnering with Public Safety and ROTC on a care package drive for deployed troops. Please join us in contributing items such as snacks, hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.) and comfort items (board games, holiday decorations, stationary supplies, etc.). Collection boxes are located in the Military and Veteran Services Center (Conwell Hall, room 601) and the Christopher and Julie Barnett Essential Needs Hub (Howard Gittis Student Center, first floor).

This year s Veterans Day comes as our nation prepares to mark its 250th birthday and coincides with the 250th anniversaries of three of our oldest military branches the Army, Navy and Marine Corps. As we celebrate these milestones, we reflect on our nation s long history of resilience and preparedness. We will forever be grateful to the generations of veterans whose courage and service have made that history possible.

On behalf of the entire Temple community, I want to thank our veterans for their unwavering dedication to defending and protecting our great nation.

Sincerely,

John Fry
President