National Day of the Deployed

National Day of the Deployed is observed on October 26th, and honors military personnel who have deployed or who are currently deployed, as well as their family members. National Day of the Deployed began as a small effort in 2006, when a North Dakota resident by the name of Shelle Michaels Aberle approached then governor of North Dakota, John Hoeven, to have a day that honored the sacrifices made by deployed service members and their family. Families face a number of challenges before, during, and after deployment. In 2011, October 26 became officially recognized in all 50 states as National Day of the Deployed. October 26 was chosen as the date because it is the birthday of LTC David Hosna, Aberle’s cousin and the service member behind her inspiration.

Please join the Office of Student Veterans to take a moment to remember, honor and thank our Duke community members who have deployed or who are currently deployed. We encourage you to connect personally by reaching out to each other and family members today.

On social media, you can post using the hashtag #DayOfTheDeployed to raise awareness and encourage others to also support deployed service members and their families.

With recognition and appreciation,

Clay, Grace, Evan, and Steph

Upcoming Events

Divinity Veteran Partership and Black Seminarians Union have partnered to host General JR. Gorham for a virtual speaking event Tuesday 10 Nov 20 at 11:00AM. This event requires registration and spots are limited. Please email Steph Hilton at stephanie.hilton@duke.edu if you would like to attend.

Duke Veterans Day Ceremony will be Wednesday, 11 Nov 20 at 11:00AM and hosted virtually. Duke President, Vincent Price, will provide the remarks this year. Further updates coming soon.

A Duke Veterans Happy Hour will be held virtually Thursday, 12 Nov 20 at 6:00PM. Further updates coming soon.

Sanford Veterans Association presents: A conversation with MG (Ret.) Clayton Hutmacher and COL (Ret.) Sean Macrae Thursday, 19 Nov at 5:00PM. Join SVA as they speak with Clayton and Sean about the truths they have uncovered during their transitions from military to civilian careers. Registration closes on 17 Nov 20. RSVP for the event here: https://forms.gle/tYueXw35Pf71c47E9

Service and Meaning Submission Guidelines

As our community approaches this socially distanced Veterans Day amidst a pandemic, our office invites you to share meaning you have drawn from your service with one another.

Video: In 1 minute or less display your piece in the video and describe what it is and why it is meaningful to you.

Non-Video: In 1-3 sentences describe what your piece is and why it is meaningful to you. Submit the piece and statement together in email.

Video and Non-Video submissions can be emailed to Steph at stephanie.hilton@duke.edu. Include your name, veteran status, and branch of service. Email participation questions to Steph if you have questions on the best way to share your piece.

Submission deadline: 6 Nov 20 at 5:00PM

Virtual Drop-In Hours

Have a question? Just want to say hi? The Office of Student Veterans will be holding virtual drop-in hours each Monday 9:30AM-10:30AM, Wednesday 10:00AM-11:00AM and Friday from 1:00PM-2:00PM to serve you remotely.

To join OSV drop-in hours, log into Zoom and enter meeting ID: 3602279256.

If you would like to meet outside OSV virtual hours, please email our graduate assistant, Steph, at stephanie.hilton@duke.edu. She'll be happy to schedule you to meet with someone in our office.

Veteran Student Council Update!

The first virtually convened Veteran Student Council meeting for the 2020-2021 academic year was held Friday, September 11. This session created an opportunity for fellow student leaders from various graduate and professional schools across campus to connect with each other and discuss their student veteran goals and initiatives. Next session will be held Spring 2021.

If you have any questions about the Veteran Student Council, are interested in joining, or were not able to attend and would like meeting notes, please email Steph, our graduate assistant, at stephanie.hilton@duke.edu.

Military-Affiliated Resources

The Office of Student Veterans introduces military-affiliated students to DuWell, Duke's office for health and wellness promotion.

Learn more about DuWell and various opportunities for students to relax, reenergize, and recharge through wellness experiences.

Director Tom Szigethy provides an overview of the office's programs and opportunities for students to prioritize their well-being while at Duke.

Ways to Connect

Office of Student Veterans: veterans@studentaffairs.duke.edu

VA Education Benefits Coordinator in the Office of the University Registrar: veteranseducation@duke.edu

Facebook Group: "Duke Veterans"

Facebook Page: "Duke Student Veterans"

Instagram: "DukeStudentVets"