The Importance of Honoring our Veterans on 11/11/2020

Veterans Day 2020 falls on November 11. Wentworth Institute of Technology has planned a virtual tribute to our servicemen and servicewomen beginning at 11:11 a.m. In anticipation of the event, the Department of Marketing and Communications spoke to Michael Siegel, Ed.D., SFC, U.S. Army (Ret.), the first director of Military-Connected Services at Wentworth. Siegel joined the university on June 15, 2020.

Details for joining the virtual Veterans Day celebration are listed at the end of the conversation.

What is the message that we as Americans should be sending to our military veterans on Veterans Day 2020?

That service matters—that the sacrifices of time, of the comforts of home, and being away from family while accepting the risks associated with military service has made a positive difference for so many throughout our history. You may not always see the tangible impact that your military service has, but it is real.

Is that message of support different this year amid the pandemic or is it steadfastly the same message?

The message of support is the same and as important as it has ever been. Our military has always answered the call, whether domestically or overseas, and you can see that clearly today, with so many providing medical, logistical, and security support for overcoming the pandemic.

Veterans Day is extremely important because it is a kind of place holder for Americans to stop and honor those who have served and who are serving. But is there a way to express our support more consistently, throughout the year? What should we be saying or doing when it is not Veterans Day?

One of the core values of the Army is “Selfless Service”—putting the welfare of the nation before yourself. True military service is not about what one can get for being in the military, but rather what can be done to help others improve their lives. We can and should always take the time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served and think about where we would be without that. To that end, we should ask, are we living our lives to the best of our ability? Also, we serve to protect our freedoms from tyranny, as we state in our oath of enlistment: “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States…” So, by supporting one another and taking advantage of our freedoms, we are honoring the veterans.

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What distinguishes Wentworth Institute of Technology, what sets it apart, as a special destination for our men and women in the Armed Forces—whether they are just beginning or are completing their military service?

Wentworth has a real sense of purpose, akin to that of the military. The degrees and other training offered at Wentworth are cutting edge and forward thinking, much like our military. You can see the real results that a Wentworth education has towards a great career, whether to enhance a current job or promote future employability.

Wentworth also has a true commitment to our Armed Forces—even despite the impact that the pandemic has been having on every aspect of our lives. The university still created the first dedicated position and office to support Military-Connected students. The support for our military runs throughout the university.

As the director of Military-Connected Services at Wentworth, what are your plans in terms of bolstering the university’s support for veterans and showcasing its appeal as a destination for our men and women in uniform?

I will continue the great work that was already being done by so many dedicated members of the Wentworth community. To that end, some highlights include:

• Creating a community and fostering camaraderie between all military-connected members, from pre-admissions to post-graduation.
• Improving the process and ease of access to starting at Wentworth, as well as reaching out to the broader military community about the tremendous opportunities at the University.
• Ensuring that military-connected students’ concerns and questions are addressed in an effective and timely manner.
• Looking for opportunities to increase credits for the skills, learning and work connected to military service.
• Providing events, workshops and other events in support of student success, both in and out of the classroom.

What are we doing right for our veterans as an institution of higher learning? What do we need to do differently?

Wentworth already has an institutional commitment to our military-connected community. That is the most important part—that the university is willing to evolve and embrace change to ensure success for military-connected students.

We must continue to work together to improve the process, policies and activities that can really make a positive impact for our military-connected students. We must not hesitate to consider where we might make improvements for the future.

This year, in lieu of Wentworth’s traditional campus luncheon, the Office of Military-Connected Services (OMCS) invites the university community and Wentworth’s Colleges of the Fenway partners to go online, and recognize and celebrate those who serve and have served.

Please register for the virtual event by November 8. A link will be sent on November 9 so you may log in on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020 at 11:11 a.m., for a 30-minute tribute.

Learn about Wentworth's history with and lasting commitment to veterans, hear from the military-connected student population, and share in reflections of gratitude for our veterans, active military and those who are no longer with us.

Speakers Include:

• Mark A. Thompson, Ph.D., president
• Ian Lapp, Ph.D., senior vice president of Academic Affairs and provost
• Michael S. Siegel, Ed.D., SFC, U.S. Army (Ret.), director of Military-Connected Services
• Military-Connected students:
  • Adam Bodien, BSA '24, USMC-R veteran, Marine Corps Reserves (still serving)
  • Ireland Wells, BSA '22, U.S. Air Force Dependent
  • Chris Rosser, MSCM '21, U.S. Army veteran
• David Hencke, Lt. Col (Ret.) U.S. Army veteran, outreach coordinator, VA Boston Healthcare, Department of Veterans Affairs
• Joe Albanese, founder and CEO, Commodore Builders (Gold Sponsor)

The Office of University Events wishes to thank the sponsors of this event for their support of the OMCS and the military-connected student population. The sponsors’ generosity helps to fund scholarships and programs for our students.