Andrews University Celebrates Its Veterans

And again receives Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Status

A group of veterans from the Andrews community, including staff, students, alumni and professors emeriti, attended the event on Nov. 12. (Photo by Manuel Monchon)

In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Andrews University celebrated the lives and legacies of its veteran population through a series of special programs. Each event was created in line with the U.S. Veterans Administration’s 2024 theme of “A Legacy and Loyalty of Service.” One way Andrews University supports its diverse campus is through its encouragement and acknowledgment of the veterans within its community. Through its Office of Veterans Services, Andrews University supports those who have served their country.

On Nov. 7, during the University’s weekly Faith360 service, Jeffrey Cordone, production executive of the Desmond Doss Foundation, was interviewed by Daniel Weber, chair of the Department of Visual Art, Communication & Design, regarding Doss’ life and legacy. Desmond Doss was a Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector who enlisted during World War II as an unarmed medic. He saved an estimated 75 of his fellow American soldiers’ lives by refusing to leave wounded men during the Battle of Okinawa after his commanding officer ordered a retreat. Due to this and several exceptional efforts of service and heroics, Doss was awarded a Medal of Honor, two Bronze Star Medals and three Purple Hearts at the conclusion of the war.

Cordone and the Desmond Doss Foundation are aiming to further Doss’ legacy through the publication of their web series called Desmond Doss “Edusodes,” a combination of the words “educational” and “episodes.” In the interview, Cordone explained that the Edusodes discuss the character traits of courage, conviction, integrity, humility, selflessness, faith and patriotism. More information about the Edusodes and other efforts of the Desmond Doss Foundation can be found on their website.

On Veterans Day, Nov. 11, Pastor Taariq Patel, University alumnus and U.S. Army veteran, led a morning worship service for employees at the Pioneer Memorial Church youth chapel and spoke about his own testimony of service. Later in the day, students were invited to write thank-you cards for veterans in the Campus Center lobby, and cupcakes were given out in honor of the holiday. In the evening, University veterans and their families were invited to a special supper in Buller Hall’s Randall Student Lounge, where they were recognized and thanked for their service. Additionally, throughout the week, the James White Library hosted a display of veteran-related books in its lobby.

On Tuesday, Nov. 12, Henry McNeily III, U.S. Army veteran and master of divinity student, gave a contemporary testimony of his military service experience at an event for students. McNeily shared that through over a decade of service in the U.S. Army, he learned not only to be a good soldier and leader in the military but also to be a servant leader in all aspects of his life.

“Good service has to be voluntary,” said McNeily. “Service might catch you when you’re not ready.” He explained that military service is far from glamorous, contrary to how some movies portray it. It can require long hours and tiring commitments, but the dedication to the mission and other people makes the experience more than worthwhile. McNeily additionally compared his military experience to domestic service, which he noted can also become isolating and lonely. However, he confirmed that the same dedication to serving others for the right reasons makes the effort worthwhile.

Now retired from the military, McNeily has taken up new opportunities to serve God, his family, and others in need. He has worked as a pastor in various ministry efforts in Lusaka, Zambia, and he is answering a call to ministry by working toward his degree at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary. McNeily also works for the Berrien Regional Education Service Agency as a bus driver for special needs students, which he describes as “the most rewarding experience” he has had so far. He affirmed that while service can look different for each person, everyone has a unique opportunity to serve.

Beyond these important Veterans Day events, Andrews University continues to prioritize service to its veteran population year-round. This year, the University again received Gold-Level Veteran-Friendly Status with the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA). The status is based on the University’s “unwavering dedication to improving experiences for military-connected learners and to fostering innovation in support of veterans.”

The MVAA awards gold, silver and bronze-level distinctions based on a strict set of criteria outlined by the organization. Andrews University and other schools that receive the highest status must meet at least six of the seven benchmarks:

1. Established process for identification of current student veterans
2. Veteran-specific website
3. Active student veteran organization or club
4. Veteran-specific career services, resources, advising and/or outcome monitoring
5. On-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact
6. System to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience
7. Monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress and graduation rates

Fares Magesa, Andrews’ Veterans Affairs school certifying official (SCO), stated that he greatly enjoys working with and helping the veterans and families that join the Andrews community. He especially appreciates the generational aspect of his work. “I am honored to help facilitate and work with our student veteran population. In the work that our office does, we have forged friendships,” he said.

The University is approved for certification of students eligible to receive educational assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Andrews University Office of Veterans Services can be reached by email at veterans@messianicfamilyfellowship.com.