Wright State has been named "Military Friendly" for four consecutive years by both Military Advanced Education and G.I. Jobs.
Insights from decorated soldier and renowned psychologist Larry James, secrets of transitioning from soldiering to college to careers, and even a tug of war between cadets and veterans will highlight Wright State University’s Veterans Day celebration.
The event will be held Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Student Union Atrium.
Nearly 900 people who have worn a military uniform study, teach or work at Wright State. The university is nationally known as a military friendly school and a top university for students interested in military service.
The keynote address, titled “The Cost of War,” will be given by James, Ph.D. — a professor, a retired colonel and 22-year military veteran, and associate vice president for military affairs at Wright State. He also served Wright State as dean of the School of Professional Psychology.
In additional to serving tours in Iraq, James was chairman of the psychology department at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. During the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he led teams of mental health professionals into the burning Pentagon.
“I have had the great privilege and honor of working with some of the best this nation has produced,” James said. “I knew people who were killed in the Pentagon. I’ve had soldiers die in my arms in combat. I’ve given three death notices in my career.”
James says Veterans Day reminds him of how lucky Americans are to live in this country. He says Wright State has created a welcoming environment for the nation’s veterans and benefits from their presence and contributions.
The Veterans Day event will also feature panel discussions and a presentation by the Quilts of Valor Foundation, an organization of volunteers who sew quilts for combat service members and veterans touched by war.
Schedule:
10:45-11 a.m. Presenting the Colors
Army and Air Force ROTC
11-11:45 a.m. Technology for Anyone
Katherine Myers, Office of Disability Services
Noon-12:45 p.m. From Soldier to College to Career: How to Land the Dream Job
- Scott Graham, Ph.D., associate professor of Leadership Studies
- Chris Hielmann, CMSgt (Ret.) USAF
- Greg Case, USAF veteran, Wright State graduate student
- Freddie Joyner, Army (Ret.), Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
- Gina Oswald, Ph.D., associate professor of Human Services
1:45-2:30 p.m. Chapter 31: Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Benefits
Julie Jones, representative
Office of Veteran Affairs
2:30-3 p.m. Veterans versus cadets in tug of war
In front of Student Union
3-4:30 p.m. Keynote Address: The Cost of War
Larry James, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Military Affairs
Difficult conversations 
Celebrated Wright State alum serving his community as surgeon 
Wright State University Foundation awards Students First Fund grants 
Cosmic collection 
Wright State revives student-faculty collaborative writing journal 