UA’s observance of Veterans Day begins Nov. 7

As it does each Veterans Day, UA will honor service members past and present during a series of events over several days. This year, Veterans Day is on Monday, Nov. 11.

Among the highlights is a screening of the documentary, “They Served Too.” The film features interviews with several female veterans, including two alumnae — Sgt. Ashley Gorbulja-Maldonado, based in Washington, D.C., and a U.S. Army Reservist, and U.S. Army Capt. Lealar Powell, currently deployed in South America. Gorbulja earned a B.S. in Organizational Supervision in 2016, a B.S. ED. in Exercise Science/Pre Physical Therapy in 2016 and a Master of Public Health in 2018. Powell earned a BSN in 2001.

Sgt. Ashley Gorbulja-Maldonado

Gorbulja-Maldonado and Powell discuss their reasons for serving, the challenges and what they have gained from their experiences.

“We Served Too,” will be shown on Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 5:30 pm. in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Theatre, followed by a panel discussion. Faculty are encourage to invite their students to the screening.

Here is the full schedule of activities in observance of Veterans Day:

Thursday, Nov. 7

The University of Akron Wayne College invites area veterans to its sixth annual Veterans Day Luncheon and Recognition Ceremony at 11 a.m. in the Student Life Building, 1901 Smucker Road, in Orrville. UA alumnus Ernest Stadvec will provide the keynote address. The event is free for veterans and a family member, but seating is limited. Registration is required and available online or by calling 330-684-8973. Learn more.

Capt. Lealar Powell

Friday, Nov. 8

Military Science and Leadership (Army ROTC) will hold its annual Veterans Breakfast at 8 a.m. in the Quaker Square Ballroom to recognize the contributions of those who have served our nation. Guest speaker for the event is Donald C. Bratton, a veteran from Northeast Ohio who is well known through his support of UA’s Army ROTC over the years. All area veterans are invited, especially our campus veterans and current active military. The event is free of charge.  Space is limited so RSVP to Tammy Dixon by Monday, Nov. 4, at 330-972-7455 or tjd1@uakron.edu.

Alex DeJarnett of Choose Ohio First will provide a Resume and Mock Interview Workshop on Translating Military Experience to the Civilian Career Market, Resume Preparation and Assistance with Professional Dress Attire. The event is co-sponsored by Continental, Men’s Warehouse, New York & Company, Student Veterans Association, American Legion Post 808 and the Military Services Center. The event begins at 10 a.m. in Simmons Hall 301. For more information, call the Military Services Center at ext. 7838.

Ernest Stadvec

Monday, Nov. 11 (Veterans Day)

The Military Services Center will  sponsor the 11th annual Honoring Those Who Serve Celebration. It will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Musson Veterans Lounge in InfoCision Stadium on the third floor. Veterans will be honored for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Refreshments and door prizes will be provided. The event is free and open to the public. 

A Veterans Resource Fair, open to all students, alumni and community members who are veterans or military service members, will be held on the third floor of InfoCision Stadium from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Campus and community representatives will be available to provide specific information on military benefits and resources for military service members. This includes Veterans Administration, Office of Accessibility, ZipAssist, Transfer Center, Adult Focus, Counseling Center and many others.

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Donald C. Bratton

“We Served Too,” a documentary on female veterans, will be shown at 5:30 pm. in the Jean Hower Taber Student Union Theatre, followed by a panel discussion. Food and beverages will be served. Please join us and invite friends and family. This event is co-sponsored by Zips Programming Network, American Legion Post 808, Student Veterans Association and the Military Services Center. 

Thursday, Nov. 14

A Community and Veterans Career Expo will be held at The University of Akron Quaker Station. Between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the expo will be open to students and the public. More than 70 area employers will conduct on-site interviews. Professional interview attire should be worn. Parking and admission are free. Learn more.

► Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd @uakron.edu.