Skip to main content

Appalachian Today

News and events at Appalachian State University
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Accolades
  • Alumni
  • Arts and Humanities
  • Athletics
  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff
  • Gifts and Grants
  • Global
  • Health and Wellness
  • Publications
  • Research and Creative Works
  • Safety
  • Scholarships
  • Students
  • Sustainability
☰ Menu
  • Events
  • Webcams
  • Podcasts
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • Contact
View larger image

Cadets in Appalachian State University’s ROTC program perform the presentation of the colors during Appalachian’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Marie Freeman

Appalachian honors military service at Veterans Day Ceremony

“Though I am not an Appalachian alumnus, it has not taken much time for me to recognize and appreciate the rare and unique culture of excellence evident within this university and the ROTC program.”

Army Capt. Joseph Callaghan, training officer and instructor in Appalachian’s ROTC program

By Alex Jansen
Posted Nov. 12, 2018 at 4:38 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — Under overcast skies, veterans were honored Monday during Appalachian State University’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Veterans Memorial on Appalachian’s campus. The memorial is located beside the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building.

The ceremony began with the presentation of the colors by cadets in Appalachian’s ROTC program.

Appalachian Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell Kruger welcomed the approximately 150 gatherers at the event and introduced speaker Army Capt. Joseph Callaghan, a training officer and instructor with Appalachian’s Department of Military Science and Leadership (ROTC), who reminded those gathered that World War I ended 100 years ago.

At the event, Callaghan recognized all veterans. He praised Vietnam veterans, whom he said “returned to a country where thanking veterans for their service wasn’t such a widely practiced custom,” and talked about the thousands of Afghanistan and Iraq veterans who “returned home and quietly returned to the business of life, going about their duties as husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, and striving to be productive members of society.”

He described the relationship between Appalachian and ROTC as working "seamlessly together in mutual pursuit of sculpting leaders and scholars of substance and character.”

“Though I am not an Appalachian alumnus,” Callaghan said, “it has not taken much time for me to recognize and appreciate the rare and unique culture of excellence evident within this university and the ROTC program — each individually strengthened by the mutually supportive relationship they share.”

He encouraged gatherers to remember and thank the veterans in their lives.

View larger image

A formation of cadets in Appalachian State University’s ROTC program stand at salute as bugler Brent Bingham plays the national anthem during Appalachian’s Nov. 12 Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial located beside the B.B. Dougherty Administration Building on Appalachian’s campus. Photo by Chase Reynolds

View larger image

Cadets in Appalachian State University’s ROTC program perform the presentation of the colors during Appalachian’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Approximately 150 gatherers look on as cadets in Appalachian State University’s ROTC program stand at attention during the presentation of the colors as part of Appalachian’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Chase Reynolds

View larger image

As the national anthem plays during Appalachian State University’s Veterans Day Ceremony, cadets in Appalachian’s ROTC program and veterans in attendance stand at salute while gatherers hold their hands over their hearts. Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

At Appalachian State University’s Veterans Day Ceremony, Appalachian Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Darrell Kruger shares the words of retired Air Force Col. Karen Dorman Kimmel: “No factor in America’s growth has been greater than the men and women who have worn her uniform to help keep her strong. In war and in peace, they have circled the Earth and journeyed to the moon, always carrying America’s ideals with them. Their service to her has been a legend of honor.” He then introduced Army Capt. Joseph Callaghan, seated. Photo by Chase Reynolds

View larger image

Army Capt. Joseph Callaghan, a training officer and instructor in Appalachian’s Department of Military Science and Leadership (ROTC), speaks at Appalachian’s Veterans Day Ceremony held Monday at the Veterans Memorial on Appalachian’s campus. Callaghan thanked bugler Brent Bingham, pictured in background, for his “beautiful rendition of the national anthem,” as well as veterans for answering the nation’s call and the university for its “continued support, as my colleagues and I shape the next generation of Army leaders.” Photo by Marie Freeman

View larger image

Brian McCullough ’89 ’98, regional director of development (Charlotte) at Appalachian State University, left, and his wife, Erica McCullough, pose for a photo at the luncheon held in Roess Dining Hall Nov. 12 for Appalachian faculty and staff veterans. The luncheon, sponsored by Appalachian’s Food Services and organized by Student Veteran Services, followed the university’s Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Chase Reynolds

View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image
View larger image

Veterans at Appalachian

“Appalachian is grateful to our veterans,” Kruger said during the ceremony, adding that the university, designated as a Military Friendly® School since 2010, “has a powerful and long-standing commitment to those who serve and to their families.”

A luncheon for Appalachian faculty and staff veterans — sponsored by Appalachian’s Food Services and organized by the university’s Student Veteran Services — was held in Roess Dining Hall following the ceremony. Coordinator of Student Veteran Services Eric Gormly said Appalachian has approximately 90 veteran faculty and staff members.

Nearly 300 of Appalachian’s currently enrolled students self-identify as veterans — representing active duty, reserve/guard, separated from military and retirees. Appalachian’s ROTC program, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019, enrolls 127 students. Appalachian alumni include top-ranking officers and personnel at all levels across the military branches.

Kruger highlighted three veterans he said “we are proud to count among Appalachian’s alumni”:

  • Maj. Gen. Edward M. Reeder Jr. ’81, Appalachian’s 2013 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient for whom the university’s Student Veteran Resource Center is named;
  • Dan Blakeley ’15 ’18, founder and four-year leader of Team Sunergy — Appalachian’s solar vehicle team — who spent six years serving in the 2nd Ranger Battalion of the U.S. Army Special Operations; and
  • Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley ’84, Appalachian’s 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient and director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Callaghan, as profiled by Kruger, enlisted in the Army in 2009. He was commissioned as a field artillery officer that year and deployed in 2012 to the Ghazni Province in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Callaghan is a graduate of the Field Artillery Basic Officer Leadership Course, the Field Artillery Captains Career Course, and the University of Foreign Military and Cultural Studies Red Team Practitioners Course.

He has received several awards and decorations, including the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Combat Action Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the Polish Land Forces Parachutist Badge.

View larger image

As the national anthem plays during Appalachian State University’s Veterans Day Ceremony, cadets in Appalachian’s ROTC program and veterans in attendance stand at salute while gatherers hold their hands over their hearts. Photo by Marie Freeman

Supporting Appalachian’s veterans
Supporting Appalachian’s veterans

Open one year, Student Veteran Resource Center provides key services and important connections

Nov. 9, 2017

In honor of Veterans Day, we take a look at how Appalachian’s student veterans transition to civilian life and work toward their college degree.

Read the story
The Appalachian Community has strong military connections and support for student veterans
The Appalachian Community has strong military connections and support for student veterans
Nov. 9, 2018

As Veterans Day approaches, we take a look at the Appalachian Community’s connection with the military and its support for student veterans.

Read the story
Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley receives Appalachian Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award
Lt. Gen. Robert Ashley receives Appalachian Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award
Oct. 11, 2018

The director of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) was recognized during Appalachian’s Homecoming Week 2018 for his work, service and philanthropy.

Read the story
Maj. Gen. Edward M. Reeder Jr. ’81
Maj. Gen. Edward M. Reeder Jr. ’81
July 23, 2013

A retired two-star major general with the U.S. Army, Maj. Gen. Edward M. Reeder Jr. '81 was commissioned as an Army officer through Appalachian’s ROTC program. He served 34 years in the military, deploying to more than 30 countries. Appalachian’s Alumni Association presented him with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013.

Read the story

A Military Friendly® School since 2010

Since 2010, Victory Media, the premier media entity for military personnel transitioning into civilian life, has awarded Appalachian the designation of Military Friendly® School. The designation places Appalachian in the top 15 percent of colleges, universities and trade schools in the country that are doing the most to embrace military students, and to dedicate resources to ensure their success in the classroom and after graduation. In addition to a number of existing services, the university opened the Major General Edward M. Reeder Jr. Student Veteran Resource Center in November 2016.

About the Department of Military Science and Leadership

One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, Appalachian’s Department of Military Science and Leadership is home to the Mountaineer Battalion. Established in 1969, the program provides students with training to develop self-discipline, physical stamina and poise, as well as the organizational and motivational skills that contribute to success in any career. Students who complete the ROTC program earn credits for a minor in military science and leadership and are commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army, Army Reserves or Army National Guard upon graduation. Learn more at https://rotc.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Share

Topics

  • Awards and Honors
  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events

Other Recent Posts

  • 20 App State ROTC cadets commissioned to serve as Army second lieutenants
    20 App State ROTC cadets commissioned to serve as Army second lieutenants
  • App State awarded $2.3M to advance innovation in NC agriculture
    App State awarded $2.3M to advance innovation in NC agriculture
  • Kristen S. Bonatz appointed general counsel and vice chancellor of institutional integrity at App State
    Kristen S. Bonatz appointed general counsel and vice chancellor of institutional integrity at App State
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted June 4
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted June 4
  • App State student-athletes extend 3.0 GPA streak to 26 straight semesters
    App State student-athletes extend 3.0 GPA streak to 26 straight semesters
  • App State nursing program receives $1 million commitment from Bedford Falls Foundation
    App State nursing program receives $1 million commitment from Bedford Falls Foundation
  • 4 new and reappointed App State Board of Trustees members to begin new terms July 1
    4 new and reappointed App State Board of Trustees members to begin new terms July 1
  • App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
    App State awards degrees to over 4,200 graduates ready to shape the future
  • Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
    Student research and creative projects spotlighted at App State’s annual showcase
  • Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
    Will Sears appointed vice chancellor of university advancement at App State
  • N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
    N.C. Governor Josh Stein to address graduates at App State commencement
  • App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction
    App State honors 29 students, faculty and staff with 2025 Awards of Distinction

Archives

Appalachian Today is an online publication of Appalachian State University. This website consolidates university news, feature stories, events, photo galleries, videos and podcasts.

If you cannot find what you're looking for here, please refer to the following sources:

  • Podcasts may be found at Appalachian State University Podcasts
  • Stories and press releases published prior to Jan. 1, 2015 may be found in University Communications Records at the Special Collections Research Center.
  • A university-wide Google Calendar may be found at Events at Appalachian
  • Events
  • Videos
  • Galleries
  • In the News
  • Research & Arts
  • Awards
  • Experts
  • All News
  • Topics
  • Subscribe
  • For the media
  • COVID updates
  • Contact

App State

Copyright 2025 Appalachian State University. All rights reserved.

University Communications
ASU Box 32153
Boone, NC 28608
828-262-6156
[email protected]

Abouts

Disclaimer | EO Policy | Accessibility | Website manager: montaldipa (beltmr) .. | Website Feedback

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram LinkedIn Snapchat