USU VRO honors, supports veterans
Holidays can be very significant in people’s lives. They can be times of celebration, rest, remembrance and tradition going back centuries. For those of higher prominence, such as Christmas or Independence Day, many put nearly everything aside and take the day to spend time with family and friends.
When thinking of a holiday between Halloween and Christmas, many people may venture to Thanksgiving. But just about halfway through the month, the U.S. celebrates another: Veterans Day.
Veterans Day honors those who have served in the U.S. armed forces, both retired and active duty. Held every Nov. 11, the date signifies the end of the first World War, which occurred on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.
A bill signed by President Eisenhower in 1954 designated the date as a national holiday, and the U.S. has recognized the holiday every year since.
Cities and institutions across the nation celebrate with many different events, from parades to speeches.
USU will be holding the AFC & USU Symphony Orchestra: Veterans Day Memorial on Nov. 11, honoring veterans in the Chase Fine Arts Center, Daines Concert Hall.
Ryan Pancheri is one such individual. Since childhood, he admired the people of the armed forces, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the men and women before him.
Before he began attending USU, Pancheri served as a technical sergeant for the U.S. Air Force. Upon his acceptance, he entered the Air Force Reserve Corps, leaving him more time for his academic career.
“I applied when I was active duty in 2020, stationed at Hill Air Force Base,” Pancheri said. “With a partial family, going to school full-time, working full-time and now doing Reserves, it’s all about time management. It’s all about time management and making sure you know what your priorities are.”
With his busy schedule, Pancheri acknowledged his gratitude for the Air Force and the benefits his time has given him, including better job prospects, a greater global understanding and financial support. It’s also allowed him time to pursue commission as an officer, furthering his role in the armed forces.
“The career progression has been the biggest thing that I’ve taken from the military so far,” Pancheri said. “I’m now using my GI Bill here at Utah State to do what I dream, which is to fly. Those are probably the biggest benefits that I’ve seen so far.”
Pancheri frequents the Veterans Resource Office, located on the second floor of the TSC. Aside from having a designated lounge and study space, the VRO holds Utah State’s certifying officials, the people responsible for ensuring service members, veterans and their families can access the benefits available to them.
Andy Allen, the director of the VRO, served in the U.S. Army for 26 years, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. Despite his own contributions, Allen sees the holiday as an opportunity to thank other veterans for their service.
“I’ve noticed that veterans are a humble kind of people, and it is the one day a year that I can say thank you for their character,” Allen said.
He encourages civilians to honor their service not only on Veterans Day, but throughout the year. According to Allen, the biggest way people can support a veteran is by getting to know one.
“Be a friend to a veteran,” Allen said. “They bring a lot to the table that others may not realize. They’ve seen and done incredible things, and then they turn around and come to school. You’ll learn a lot about life.”
There’s a strong sense of community among veterans at the VRO. Students can be found socializing as they study or play Smash Bros. on the TV.
“You get a lot of camaraderie,” Pancheri said. “Overall, it’s been a good experience for me. It opens your eyes to the world and lets you experience different cultures and lifestyles. It’s changed me a lot, both professionally and personally.”