By Elisabeth Costanzo Stewart
SUNY Broome’s campus community paused for a moment of reflection and gratitude in observance of Veterans Day on Monday, November 11, 2024. The time-honored SUNY Broome tradition began with a procession from the Broome County Veterans Memorial Association Color Guard, followed by a performance of the National Anthem by Music: A.S. student Janileisy Cartagena Lugo.
SUNY Broome’s President, Dr. Tony D. Hawkins, extended a collective thank you to all of the veterans on campus and to those across the nation.
“Regardless of when you served – whether it was just yesterday, decades ago, or you are still on active duty, our campus community is deeply appreciative of your service,” shared President Hawkins.
Special guests and featured speakers included:
- Lea Webb (LAAS’ 01) – NYS Senator, 52nd Senate District
- Jason Garnar (ISED ’97) – Broome County Executive
- Erin Micha – Broome County Legislator, District 10
- Mike Marinaccio, Town of Dickinson Supervisor
- Sandra Gibble, Assistant Registrar/Union Vice President
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar (ISED ’97) reflected on his time as a history student at SUNY Broome. While most of his courses centered around textbooks and additional reading, his “Vietnam in America” professor invited local Vietnam veterans from across the county to visit his class and share their personal experiences. This example of community-based learning made a lasting impression on Garnar and drives his commitment to supporting the over 11,000 veterans who reside in Broome County.
Sandra Gibble, Assistant Registrar/Union Vice President, spent five years in the U.S. Army prior to coming to SUNY Broome. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
The highlight of the remembrance ceremony was when Sandra Gibble, Assistant Registrar/Union Vice President, addressed the group. Gibble spent five years in the U.S. Army prior to coming to SUNY Broome. Her personal reflections on “why we served” resonated deeply with attendees.
“We fought, and we served to protect our country, to defend our democracy, and to safeguard our freedom,” shared Gibble. “O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.”
The ceremony concluded with a reception in the Calice Connector, where attendees were treated to refreshments and green light bulbs in honor of the national initiative to “greenlight” our veterans as valued members of our community.
Members of the campus community gathered in the Calice Connector to visit after the ceremony. Photo Credit: Matt Ebbers
This year, the College established a new initiative where students, faculty and staff, and alumni veterans were encouraged to share details about their respective branches and years of service. We are honored to thank the following veterans for their service:
Alumni:
- Christopher Blackwell: U.S. Air Force (17 years)
- Stephen Gardner: U.S. Navy (27 years)
Current Students:
- Robert Farmer: U.S. Air Force (24 years)
- Tommy Gallagher: U.S. Army (5 years)
- Rachyl Hinson: U.S. Army (5 years)
- Western Sheffield: U.S. Army (3 years)
Faculty/Staff:
- William Beebe – PT Clerk of Veterans & Military Affairs: U.S. Army (2 years)
- Kristin Hofer – Professor of Dental Hygiene: U.S. Navy (8 years)
- Peter Kleszics – Professional Tutor: U.S. Navy (6 years)
- David P. Miller – Technical Assistant IIA/Adjunct Instructor: U.S. Army (20 years)
- Barbara Munger – Chief Information Officer: U.S. Air Force (3 years)
Roughly 100 SUNY Broome students receive VA benefits annually. All student veterans, dependents, and survivors are invited to visit the Veterans & Military Affairs Office located in the Student Services Building, Room 102.
Learn more about SUNY Broome’s Veterans & Military Affairs Office!
Click on the album below to view all of the photos from the event!
