Western Illinois University Military Appreciation Week Schedule Released
MACOMB/Moline, IL – The Western Illinois University Military Task Force has finalized plans to celebrate Military Appreciation Week through Friday, Nov. 13.
WIU is proud of its rich military traditions and continues to strive to improve the experiences of its military service students. While COVID-19 has impacted the delivery of WIU’s Military Appreciation Week, there are still a wide array of activities planned to allow WIU and the community to honor veterans, active duty members and reservists.
This year’s schedule includes:
• Monday, Nov. 9
– 1-4 p.m. – In association with Kinder Mondays, the Veterans Resource Center will be outside the Multicultural Center, on the patio area, with rocks for students to paint, to show appreciation for veterans. These will be displayed on Veterans Day at the Veteran Resource Center.
– 4-6 p.m. – Presentation and Discussion – “Military Assistance to Civilian Authorities” – Faculty from the School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration will clarify and explain the role and responsibilities of the military in cooperation with civilian police forces. There will be opportunities for attendees to ask questions and engage with the faculty members via Zoom. To attend, register here.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10
– Scheduled times – All-Star Tug of War at Spencer Student Recreation Center: WIU’s World War I and World War II veterans have contributed to the rich legacy of WIU, including our symbols, our traditions and our commitment to inclusion. In recognition of Col. Rock Hanson’s contributions to WIU, Campus Recreation will host the second annual All-Star Tug of War, honoring Col. Rock Hanson. The event is free for student organizations, and the winner will be recognized with a trophy housed at Campus Recreation.
To maintain the safety of participants, this year’s event will be a 2-on-2 Tug of War Contest with each participating team selecting two representatives. Masks will be required and scheduling will conform to social distancing policies. The event will be held outdoors, weather permitting. To register a team, email Nick Knowles, director of Campus Recreation, at ns-knowles@wiu.edu.
– 3-5 p.m. – Presentation and Discussion – “Jobs in the “Military” – Hosted by WIU’s Quad Cities campus, in cooperation with the Rock Island Arsenal. This presentation will help veterans and non-veterans better assess and market military personnel/veterans’ experiences within an interviews or employment situation. To join the event, visit wiu.zoom.us/j/95557169974
• Wednesday, Nov. 11
– 8 a.m. – Join us for a virtual Veterans Day workout with the World’s Fittest Man, Guinness World Record Holder, Army Veteran Joe Decker ’98 and Nicole Decker. Participate via Zoom or on Facebook Live. Register at bit.ly/3jXVuiI, or join on Facebook at facebook.com/WIUAlumni.
– 4-6 p.m. – Presentation and Discussion – “Diversity in Our Military” – Ron Pettigrew, director of the Veterans Resource Center, and panelists will discuss diversity in the military. Please register to attend at bit.ly/3kzGjgv.
– Scheduled times – Battle of the Branches Bench Press Competition, Campus Recreation: Veterans and service members will have a bench press competition in the Spencer Student Recreation Center. The winning branch will have a trophy or plaque with the total weight lifted and the branch name displayed in the Recreation Center. To maintain social distancing, participants will need to register to receive a time to participate by emailing Nick Knowles at ns-knowles@wiu.
• Thursday, Nov. 12
– 6:30-8:30 p.m. – Military Trivia – Macomb VFW and Virtual Military Trivia Night – WIU ROTC, in cooperation with the Macomb VFW, will host a Military Trivia Night. Due to COVID restrictions, there can be five teams with five members each (max of 25 people) at the event. The cost is $40 per team, with all proceeds going to support the Greater Peoria Honor Flight. Teams can register at wiu.com/alumni.
For more information about any of the planned events, contact Veterans Resource Center Director Ron Pettigrew.
