East Tennessee State University is recognizing and celebrating veterans throughout November with a series of events that honor those who have served and highlight the university’s longstanding commitment to the military and veteran community.
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‍Military Appreciation Football Game

When: Saturday, Nov. 7

Where: William B. Greene Jr. Stadium

ETSU Athletics, ETSU Military and Veteran Services and ETSU Army ROTC are partnering to host Military Appreciation Day at the Nov. 7 football game versus Samford.

The day will feature:

  • A tailgate hosted by ETSU Military and Veteran Services and Army ROTC at Lucille Clement Hall, beginning at 11 a.m.;
  • Free tickets for military personnel and veterans with a valid military ID, presented at the ticket window;
  • A pre-game flyover, courtesy of Golf Company (Air Ambulance), 1st Battalion, 111th Aviation Regiment, Tennessee Army National Guard; and
  • Special recognitions throughout the game, including military-specific television timeouts and on-field honors.

Veterans and military-affiliated community members from across the region are invited to attend this special game.

‍Quilts of Valor® Ceremony

When: Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2-3 p.m.  

Where: Mezzanine, Stanton-Gerber Hall

Organized by the Sherrod Library, the Quilts of Valor® Ceremony, beginning at 2 p.m. in the Stanton-Gerber Hall Mezzanine at the Quillen VA Medical Center, honors the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and active-duty military personnel.  

A Quilt of Valor® is a quality, handmade quilt awarded to service members or veterans who have been touched by war.

‍Veterans Day Ceremony

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 1 p.m.

Where: Veterans Memorial

ETSU’s annual Veterans Day ceremony will honor the nation’s military veterans, including the university's own student, staff and faculty veterans. The ceremony will begin at 1 p.m. at the ETSU Veterans Memorial in front of Memorial Hall.

The program will feature remarks by guest speaker Gen. (Ret.) Arnold Bunch.

‍Free lunch for veterans

When: Thursday, Nov. 12

Where: ETSU Dining Hall, D.P. Culp Student Center, third floor  

All veterans and military service members – including ETSU students, faculty, staff and community members – are invited to enjoy a free meal at the ETSU Dining Hall on the third floor of the D.P. Culp Student Center.

A steak lunch will be available from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. If veterans are unable to dine at that time, they may redeem their free meal voucher for a regular dining menu meal from 2- 7 p.m.

Veterans can pick up free meal tickets at:

  • The Mary V. Jordan Center, D.P. Culp Student Center (second floor)
  • Military and Veteran Services, Lucille Clement Hall
  • Veterans Upward Bound, Rogers-Stout Hall
  • ETSU Army ROTC, Brooks Gym
  • The Veterans Day Ceremony


‍Mary V. Jordan Center Celebration

When: Thursday, Nov. 12, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Where: Mary V. Jordan Center, D.P. Culp Student Center, second floor

Veterans and active-duty service members are invited to the Mary V. Jordan Center Veterans Day Celebration, which honors those who have served and those currently serving. Enjoy cake and share in a moment of appreciation for veterans' service and sacrifice between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

These November events reflect ETSU’s year-round commitment to supporting veterans and military-affiliated students – one that has earned impressive national recognition. ETSU was named a 2026 Top Veteran School by U.S. Veterans Magazine, was recognized as a 2026 Yellow Ribbon School, and earned Gold in the 2026-27 Military Friendly rankings for the 16th consecutive year.

Military and Veteran Services assists veterans, active-duty service members and other military-affiliated students throughout their ETSU experience. For more information, visit etsu.edu/veterans, email va@etsu.edu or call (423) 439-6819.

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