Veterans Honored at 15th Annual Luncheon Event
Major General Allan M. Pepin (Images by Matthew Conde)
As Staff Sergeant Bethsaida Ramos sang Lee Greenwood’s patriotic “God Bless the USA” to a Watson Auditorium audience, numerous attendees swayed to the music and mouthed the lyrics. And when Ramos belted out, “And I’d proudly stand up!” a pair of military veterans sprang from their seats to honor the song’s message.
The stirring moment captured the reverent essence of the Veterans Luncheon—now in its 15th year—held at Wentworth Institute of Technology. The musical act, U.S. Army band Downrange, was performing the event for the first time and were one of numerous special guests on the day.
U.S. Army Major General Allan M. Pepin, Wentworth Class of 1988, served as the keynote speaker, while Director of Military-Connected Services Michael Siegel, U.S. Army (Retired), emceed the event. Other speakers included President Mark A. Thompson, City Council President Ed Flynn, and current student Josh Brodeur, Industrial Design ’26, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired).
Veterans Shaping Society
“This nation was built by people like you who sacrificed time with their families and others, and I’m humbled to be here with you,” Pepin told veterans in the crowd.
Pepin noted that he graduated during the Cold War and felt that the world was a highly volatile place at the time. He has come to understand, he said, that the world is even more dangerous now and that when diplomacy fails, members of the military need to be the ones to negotiate that situation. He also spoke of how military members are multifaceted and come from all backgrounds, noting that members of Downrange include a medic as well as a social media influencer with four million followers.
Pepin, who assumed command of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region and the U.S. Army Military District of Washington in 2021, noted the strong attributes of military veterans and why they deserve a close look by hiring managers.
“Veterans are accountable and wired to solve problems. They are critical thinkers and accustomed to working in teams,” he said. “Think of them when you’re building an organization.”
As society looks to the future and considers issues including global trade and climate change, Pepin said, it is important to remember the veterans who have contributed and continue to contribute so much.
“We strive to be an example for the world,” he said, “and often ask, ‘If not me, then who?’”
A Tradition of Veteran Support
With past Wentworth President Zorica Pantic and Sandra Pascal, recipient of the President’s Medal at the August Commencement ceremony, in attendance, President Thompson noted the Institute’s long history of supporting veterans and members of the armed forces, dating back to when the university trained 4,000 soldiers during World War I and most recently established the Office of Military-Connected Services in 2020.
“Recognizing the debt that we owe to our veterans is a lifelong mission, an obligation, and a privilege. We are committed to ensuring we actively and thoughtfully support our military-connected community and we are grateful to the partners that help us achieve this important work,” said Thompson, noting the John Heinstadt Memorial Scholarship and the Guyer Family Endowed Scholarship, which aid military-connected students.
Siegel noted his pride in the university furthering its commitment to veterans, including improving the data collection of the military community to better understand Wentworth demographics, which in turn will lead to more purposeful and targeted programming, in addition to preserving history through a grant from the CHERBEC Foundation.
“I have also always associated Veterans Day with community and camaraderie, both of which I miss most about my time in the service,” said Siegel. “But fortunately, I have found them here at Wentworth.”
Honor
Started in 2007 by former Wentworth CFO Heinstadt, the Veterans Luncheon honors, remembers, and thanks veterans and active-duty military from Wentworth and the Colleges of the Fenway (COF) partner institutions for their service. It is also an opportunity for current students to meet alumni and network with corporate partners.
Today’s event began with the posting of colors by the Liberty Battalion Army ROTC Northeastern University, followed by the COF Choir members singing the National Anthem and Wentworth alum Erin McCabe ’21, 2D LT, USAF, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Flynn and the ROTC cadets led the POW*MIA remembrance ceremony.
The day was organized by Executive Director of Events Linda Werman and Assistant Director Paige Provost with help from Michael Siegel and the Facilities team. Commodore Builders was the Silver Sponsor and Lee Kennedy Co. The Bronze Sponsor.
Stay tuned for more photos in the coming days and be sure to check out our Instagram account for updates.
