The schedule of events for UT Martin’s Veterans Week has been announced by veterans services coordinator Jason Earley of the Division of Access and Engagement.
The highlight of the week will be the annual Veterans Day Program, held at 8 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 11, in the Phillip Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center.
The guest speaker will be Tasha Bowman of Union City, a retired sergeant first class who served more than 20 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard.
Other events this week include:
• Tuesday, Nov. 10, 6 a.m.: Veterans Bowl, a flag football game between cadets and student veterans at Hardy M. Graham Stadium.
• Wednesday, Nov. 11, 4-5:30 p.m.: Campus Veterans Walk from the campus Veterans Memorial and Boling University Center to the Capt. Brent Morel Memorial Bridge on University Street, concluding at Gooch Hall. Campus and community members are invited to participate.
The Capt. Brent Morel Memorial Bridge is named for Marine Corps Capt. Brent Morel, a 1999 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Martin, who was killed in combat near Fallujah, Iraq, on April 7, 2004. A Martin native and graduate of Bartlett High School, Morel was part of a convoy on patrol near Fallujah when it drove into a trap. After the lead Humvee was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, Morel positioned his vehicle to protect his comrades. A rocket-propelled grenade hit his Humvee as well, injuring no one but leaving his men in a dangerous position.
As company commander, Morel had to make a difficult decision in a matter of moments. In the end, he and several of his men ran across open terrain to confront the insurgents and, in the words of his men, “changed the momentum of the battle.” Morel was the only American killed in the assault.
For his actions, Morel posthumously received the Purple Heart and the Navy Cross, the second-highest military recognition after the Medal of Honor.
• Thursday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Network fair hosted by the Division of Access and Engagement, Boling University Center.
• Friday, Nov. 13: A visit by the veterans team, interested students and ROTC representatives to Humboldt Veterans Home, taking them cake provided by Tiny Baker of Union City, and slushies donated by Sonic and D&B Properties.
• Saturday, Nov. 14, 2 p.m.: UT Martin athletics hosts the Military Appreciation Game, UT Martin vs. Lindenwood, Hardy M. Graham Stadium.
PHOTO: Soldiers and veterans take part in the annual Veterans Walk held in 2024 along University Street.
