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

More than 150 people gathered for Appalachian State University’s 2019 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 Troy Tuttle

App State honors military service at Veterans Day Ceremony

View larger image

Cadets in Appalachian State University’s ROTC program perform the presentation of the colors during Appalachian’s 2019 Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Troy Tuttle

“Today we express our gratitude to all veterans, and especially to those in our audience. Your sacrifice, and that of your families, sustains our country and protects freedoms worldwide.”

Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts

By Megan Bruffy
Posted Nov. 11, 2019 at 6:08 p.m.

BOONE, N.C. — More than 150 people gathered for Appalachian State University’s Veterans Day Ceremony Monday to honor and commend those who have served in the armed forces.

The ceremony, which took place at the Veterans Memorial located on Appalachian’s campus, included remarks from Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts and Appalachian alumnus and retired U.S. Army Maj. Ali Donnell Davis ’95 ’01. It began with the presentation of the colors by cadets in Appalachian’s Army ROTC program, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

“Today we express our gratitude to all veterans, and especially to those in our audience. Your sacrifice, and that of your families, sustains our country and protects freedoms worldwide.”

Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts

View larger image

Cadets in Appalachian State University’s ROTC program perform the presentation of the colors during Appalachian’s 2019 Veterans Day Ceremony. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Everts, who welcomed the crowd, said, “Today we express our gratitude to all veterans, and especially to those in our audience. Your sacrifice, and that of your families, sustains our country and protects freedoms worldwide.”

Referring to the more than 380 student veterans and active-duty military members enrolled at Appalachian, she said, “Our recognition by national publications and our status for nearly a decade as a Military Friendly School affirm our commitment to strengthen resources for student veterans and active-duty military members at Appalachian.”

Introducing Davis, the event’s keynote speaker, Everts said, “Appalachian and communities around the world are better because of dedicated, selfless veterans like Major Davis.”

Davis opened his remarks by asking the audience to take a moment of silence for prisoners of war and those missing in action.

View larger image

Appalachian State University Army ROTC cadet Katlyn Branton, center in foreground, stands at attention alongside fellow ROTC cadets during the presentation of the colors. The ROTC program celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Photo by Troy Tuttle

“There is somebody right now paying the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here. That’s what Veterans Day is. It took me many years to understand that.”

Maj. Ali Donnell Davis ’95 ’01, U.S. Army retired

Gesturing to the assembled ROTC cadets and leadership at the ceremony, he said, “This is your future and these are your leaders.”

Davis shared a story of his former middle-school teacher who was a Marine, and how his interaction with him impacted Davis’ perspective on Veterans Day and what it means to be an American.

“There is somebody right now paying the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here. That’s what Veterans Day is. It took me many years to understand that.”

Maj. Ali Donnell Davis ’95 ’01, U.S. Army retired

“He talked about freedoms and how lucky we were to be Americans,” Davis said of his teacher. “He said, ‘Because of our freedoms, there is an American woman or man right now as we speak, laying on the ground in the cold, in the worst weather, whether it is here or whether it is abroad, to ensure that we have these luxuries.’”

Davis said, “There is somebody right now paying the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here. That’s what Veterans Day is. It took me many years to understand that.”

View larger image

Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts addressed the crowd at the university’s 2019 Veterans Day Ceremony and introduced the event’s keynote speaker, Appalachian alumnus and retired U.S. Army Maj. Ali Donnell Davis. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Davis then led the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and subsequently encouraged attendees to continue to support the military community and reminded the audience to never forget the prisoners of war and those missing in action.

About Maj. Ali Donnell Davis

Davis, of Charlotte, joined the U.S. Army Reserve in 1989. Throughout his military career, he held numerous posts, including rank one corps protection chemical officer and assistant chief of operations at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington. He also served in several posts at North Carolina’s Fort Bragg and as assistant professor of military science and recruiting officer at the University of California, Berkeley.

View larger image

Appalachian alumnus and retired U.S. Army Maj. Ali Donnell Davis addresses a crowd of more than 150 people at Appalachian’s 2019 Veterans Day Ceremony, encouraging them to support the military community and never forget the prisoners of war and those missing in action. Photo by Troy Tuttle

Davis, who has deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, retired in 2016 after more than 20 years of service to the U.S. Army and Army Reserve. Among his nearly two dozen awards and decorations are two Bronze Star medals, three Meritorious Service medals, the Army Achievement Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal.

Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in habilitative science in 1995 and a master’s degree in student development in 2001, both from Appalachian. He and his wife, Appalachian alumna Dr. Carmen Davis ’95, co-own Innovations Counseling and Consulting Services in Charlotte and have three children.

View larger image

Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts, left, embraces the event’s keynote speaker, Appalachian alumnus and retired U.S. Army Maj. Ali Donnell Davis, after the conclusion of his remarks. Photo by Troy Tuttle

What do you think?

Share your feedback on this story.

Appalachian, a 2019–20 Military Friendly® School, earns Gold distinction
Appalachian, a 2019–20 Military Friendly® School, earns Gold distinction
Feb. 1, 2019

Appalachian has held the Military Friendly® School designation for nearly a decade and continues to help military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the Boone community.

Read the story
App State student veteran among 124 selected nationally for SVA Leadership Institute
App State student veteran among 124 selected nationally for SVA Leadership Institute
Sep. 24, 2019

Grayson Farmer, a senior marketing major and president of Appalachian’s Student Veterans Association, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2019 Student Veterans of America Leadership Institute, which focused on community service, leadership self-awareness and networking.

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
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
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
Student Veteran Services
Student Veteran Services

Our instititution is more dedicated than ever to helping military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the community. This dedication begins during their transition from service to education, and lasts through to graduation and entering the workforce.

Learn more

A Military Friendly® School since 2010

Since 2010, VIQTORY (formerly known as 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.

“Today we express our gratitude to all veterans, and especially to those in our audience. Your sacrifice, and that of your families, sustains our country and protects freedoms worldwide.”

Appalachian Chancellor Sheri Everts

Appalachian, a 2019–20 Military Friendly® School, earns Gold distinction
Appalachian, a 2019–20 Military Friendly® School, earns Gold distinction
Feb. 1, 2019

Appalachian has held the Military Friendly® School designation for nearly a decade and continues to help military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the Boone community.

Read the story

“There is somebody right now paying the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here. That’s what Veterans Day is. It took me many years to understand that.”

Maj. Ali Donnell Davis ’95 ’01, U.S. Army retired

App State student veteran among 124 selected nationally for SVA Leadership Institute
App State student veteran among 124 selected nationally for SVA Leadership Institute
Sep. 24, 2019

Grayson Farmer, a senior marketing major and president of Appalachian’s Student Veterans Association, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for the 2019 Student Veterans of America Leadership Institute, which focused on community service, leadership self-awareness and networking.

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
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
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
Student Veteran Services
Student Veteran Services

Our instititution is more dedicated than ever to helping military-affiliated students thrive on campus and in the community. This dedication begins during their transition from service to education, and lasts through to graduation and entering the workforce.

Learn more

Share

Topics

  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff

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

Share

Topics

  • Community Engagement
  • Diversity
  • Events
  • Faculty and Staff

Other Recent Posts

  • 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
  • App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    App State to offer AI concentration in master’s programs [faculty featured]
    WFDD
  • Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
    Campus emergency siren test to be conducted May 7
  • App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
    App State students help restore national wildlife refuge as part of Alternative Service Experience
  • Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
    Dr. Neva J. Specht appointed App State executive vice chancellor and provost
  • $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
    $2 million grant funds scholarships, supports STEM education for over 50 App State students
  • App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
    App State named Military Friendly School for 16th consecutive year, ranked a top 10 institution for 2025–26
  • Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
    Explore the future of business with new AI master’s degree tracks at App State
  • 12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide
    12th annual iBackAPP Day of Giving draws over 3,100 App State supporters worldwide

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