On Nov. 13, Auburn University’s campus hosted various interactive displays of the Alabama National Guard for Military Appreciation Week. Every year Auburn celebrates and recognizes those who serve The United States by dedicating a week to their heroic causes.
Students and members of the community visited Nichols Lawn, West Thatch Concourse, Cater Lawn and the North Stadium Lawn to engage with members of the military community and to learn more about their purpose during the week of recognition and support.
The interactive displays included a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter, an Army Adventure Mobile Simulator Semi, a M777 Artillery Howitzer, a rock climbing tower and more. The displays showed students and local community members a glimpse of what the military might look like.
All across campus students climbed rock walls, on-campus organizations raised money for the National Guard and soldiers spoke about their own personal experiences within the military. Even Aubie, the University’s mascot, took pictures in his camo gear.
“My dad was a retired military colonel and this is the best way that I can help give back to him and others who serve,” said Matthew Fisher, senior majoring in marine biology and minoring in aquaculture, whose purpose is to raise awareness and attention towards the efforts of the ROTC and the military through his fraternity of Alpha Sigma Phi.
As a part of appreciation week, members of the community, like Fisher, found that it is important to not only spread awareness of military efforts but also raise money to support people who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
“To me personally it is just a way of giving back to the people who have given us everything so we can live here in peaceful bliss while they are fighting for our freedom overseas,” Fisher said.
Fisher explained that even if someone does not have any personal ties to the military, anyone can support and show their appreciation toward them.
A common answer among individuals was that their purpose for serving in the military was to honor those who have served The United States past and present and to provide for the people in their own lives.
“I am doing all of this for my kids and family,” said Current army soldier Cedric Jackson.
Jackson was assigned to work the event to help Auburn’s military program gain new members and raise money to help homeless veterans. He emphasized to students that “there is more to the military than just shooting and fighting,” highlighting his focus on educating the youth about the significance of this career path and its vital role in serving the nation.
Auburn offers a Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program that allows students to pursue their education full-time while simultaneously serving in the military. There is an average of 144.1 enrolled in ROTC each year at Auburn, and 70.6 earned an ROTC commission.
Anna England, a second-year graduate student studying natural resources, and Lilli Judge, a sophomore student studying animal sciences pre-vet, both are members of the ROTC and have their own reasons for joining the program.
“I joined to have a more purposeful career, and this allowed me to do that while also majoring in natural resources.” England said.
“My dad was in the military and my sister is joining it as well, I also want to be able to travel the world while doing my job.” Judge Said.
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