The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

OP-ED: A&M-San Antonio treats its Veterans well

OP-ED: A&M-San Antonio treats its Veterans well - The Mesquite Online News - Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Texas A&M University-San Antonio students, staff and faculty eat breakfast during the Veterans Day Breakfast in Patriots' Casa Ceremony room on Nov. 11, 2024. Photo by Benji Mendoza

Texas A&M University-San Antonio recently held a Veterans Day Breakfast, honoring the service and sacrifice of veterans within the community. The event, which was held in Patriots’ Casa, brought together students, staff and veterans for a morning filled with camaraderie and appreciation.

The university hosted a special raffle for the veterans by providing three winners with exclusive camouflage “TAMUSA” ball caps. These caps, emblazoned with the university’s logo, were a hit among attendees.

“Our task is to support and strengthen veterans. When veterans decide to get out, they feel lost and with events like these, veterans have a sense of purpose and feel at home” said, Student Veteran Association Vice President Ramon Martinez. a United States Army veteran. 

 In addition to the caps, veterans received thoughtful gift packages. 

“There are currently over 400 self-identified student veterans at A&M-San Antonio with many more that have not identified themselves as veterans on this campus” stated Krismarie Rodriguez-Rivera, Program Coordinator for Military Affairs at A&M- San Antonio. “Veterans Day Breakfast is the first thing we prepare for when looking into our event calendar. It is so important to serve those heroes that are students on our campus and use this event to connect with them all and provide safe spaces and the support they so deserve.”

Adding a creative twist to the celebration, A&M-San Antonio also organized a Door Decoration Contest, which saw various departments showcase their artistic talents and patriotic themes. The competition was fierce, but in the end, the Student Counseling Center emerged as the winner. Their door, adorned with heartfelt messages and intricate designs which thanked veterans for their service, captured the essence of Veterans Day.

The Department of Education and Leadership took second place. The Cisneros Institute secured the third spot, impressing judges with their thoughtful designs for veterans and their service. 

This Veterans Day Breakfast was more than just a celebration; it was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. A&M-San Antonio’s efforts to honor veterans with thoughtful gifts and engaging activities underscore the institution’s deep respect for those who have served.

The event not only fostered a sense of community and appreciation but also allowed students and staff to reflect on the importance of service and sacrifice. 

About the Author

Benji Mendoza
Benji Mendoza is a Communications - Journalism Media major and student veteran. He is the Operator and Manager of TAMUSA Jaguar Sports Network. He also owns and operates an independent sports media known as Soy San Antonio Futbol, a multimedia soccer platform in San Antonio. After graduating, Benji hopes to work for Fox Sports as a soccer analyst as he plans to go to graduate school for Broadcasting at the University of Texas at Austin.

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