Unknown: Hello everyone and Happy Veterans Day and a special greeting to our Trojan veterans and their families. I’d like to begin with some words from retired Army Major General, Viet Duan, he once said to our military students, you are about to embark on an incredible journey. The world you enter is
Tumultuous at best, and you must have the courage to face it head on. General Diwan graduated from Dornsife on a full ROTC scholarship. His American military story began almost a decade earlier during the Vietnam War. He and his family fled Saigon as political refugees one day before the
Capital fell, and they barely escaped. It was then aboard a US air carrier, but he decided he would go on and serve his new country. And in 2014, he made history. He became the first Vietnamese born American promoted to Brigadier General. Each of our veterans and military students have followed
A unique path to USC. More than 400 of our faculty and staff are veterans as our 1000s of Trojan alumni, 1400 current students, undergrads and graduate students, our veterans, our ROTC students, it is a legacy of service, few great research universities can match. More than 4500 officers from our ROTC
Programs have been commissioned into the armed forces across the entire country. Only about 60 schools host ROTC programs with the Navy, the Air Force and the Army, all on the same campus. And USC is so honored to be one of them. Last year, we were invited to join Space Forces University Partnership Program,
The first school of its type in California. USC is commitment to the military and to its people before after and during their service goes back more than a century. During World War One, USC became a training school for Army officers. And today we have degrees, scholarships and research dedicated to our
Veterans and our military community. Everything from marshals, Masters of Business for veterans, to butterbeans Institute for Creative Technologies, which is looking always at ways to use VR and AR to help our veterans. Recently, our School of Social Work shared a new regional study about
Veterans needs after their service. And that was led by military and veterans programs and funded through a new Rand USC Epstein Family Foundation Center for veterans Policy Research. USC also has student groups and programs and wonderful initiatives like the USC VA, our Veterans Association, under Student Life, our Veterans Resource Center,
Which welcomed more than 3200 visitors last year, and jams, one of our newest student assemblies. I recently this morning toward our Veterans Resource Center. It is truly a place for connection and camaraderie, and that spirit does not end. Once you leave USC. Wherever your journey takes
You. You’re always always a part of the Trojan family. As you may know, since veteran days balls on a Saturday this year, tomorrow is a non instructional day on our campuses. I hope you’ll use it as a time for reflection and gratitude to all our Trojan veterans, military affiliated community members and
Their families. We are so grateful to you. Please know how much we appreciate your service and how honored we are that you chose. USC. Thank you, and let’s continue to fight on together. On a day that we honor our veterans, and all currently
Serving in our military, we are reminded that our freedoms are not free. Hello, I’m Stacy Harris, Lieutenant General United States Air Force retired and a proud USC Viterbi alum, and one of the newest members of USC Board of Trustees. As a military brat, I was born into the Airforce and grew up wanting
To be just like my dad. I share he went to work every day wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue pants. And every two years we moved around to what I thought was a new and exciting location around the globe. And it was through Junior ROTC in
High school that I learned more about responsibility and discipline and teamwork. And I learned that I did have that propensity to serve and wanted to be part of something greater than myself. And then it was here at Air Force ROTC detachment 60, where I learned what it meant to be an airman.
As an engineer by degree a pilot by profession and a 37 year Air Force veteran. My most fulfilling and grateful moments have been for the opportunity to serve alongside my fellow airmen, joint partners, and military allies worldwide. And throughout my career, I’ve remained closely tied to USC,
Through Air Force ROTC debt 60, the Viterbi School of Engineering, the Black Alumni Association, and of course, returning home for homecomings, and participating in numerous alumni events across the nation have kept me close to my Trojan family. As I embrace my journey, as an airman for life, I’m
Equally passionate about my unwavering loyalty as a Trojan for life. I’ve been with Trojan pride when I reflect on USS enduring commitment to our military community, epitomized by price schools, remarkable century long partnership with our armed forces, now extending to our newest branch, the Space
Force. So whether you’ve taken the path of enrolling in our ROTC program, or as a military veteran, and resilient Trojan student, harnessing the invaluable resources of the Veteran Center, or you are a veteran, proudly serving within the ranks of our dedicated staff, esteemed faculty, or as a
Devoted employee, each of us plays an integral role in this shared legacy of support and excellence. Thank you for your service, and sacrifices to our nation, and fight on. Hello, Greetings, everyone. My name is James who and I work here at the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. I served for 30
Years in the in the army in various capacities, both as a practicing physician, and also a hospital commander. So I can just say unequivocally that I am incredibly proud and privileged to have served with such honorable and selfless soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and Coast Guard Coast Guardsmen as
You so I consider you America’s finest. And I’m just again, proud to serve with you all. So as for the question of what does legacy of service mean to me? Well, that’s a very difficult question. But I can say that the first time I encountered or the
First time I can remember encountering an episode, or behavior of service was when I first went into medical school. So I came from USC, I got into medical school at the Uniformed Services in Washington, DC. And my first recollection of those in uniform was that they were just incredibly helpful and
Selfless in their service and their willingness to help out somebody who knew nothing about the military. So they helped me move despite the fact that they had very limited time themselves. On a weekend, they just went in and and helped me move and get my stuff at a storage and get into my
Apartment. So that was the first episode of of selfless service that I encountered. But as I reflect what’s selfless with service really means. I think it can come from various perspectives. You know, first as a citizen, I have a duty to be a good neighbor, to help my community when those
Opportunities arise or when somebody else’s in need. So that is what service means to a citizen. As a physician, you know, I have an obligation to serve my patients to ensure that they feel secure in their health care, but also to preserve their
Dignity and respect. At all times, as a parent and husband, I have an obligation to serve and to ensure not only that my family’s security is assured, but also through my behaviors, the teaching and the passing on the core values to our children
So that the legacy of service is passed on to their kids, and to their friends and, and others in the community as well. And then finally, as a leader, you know, making sure that those I’m leading are not only getting what they need to accomplish
Their jobs, but also clearing away for their growth and development and inspiring them to pursue meaningful careers and service to others. So yeah, legacy a service takes many forms, and not just in the service to the Constitution, but also the service to the community. And a legacy of
Service is, to me is just transferring that experience and those values into the community and into the activities that I do every day. So in closing, I just want to say Happy Veterans Day to everyone, especially to those 67% who have served and
You know, who I who you are. And I just want to say that those that have sacrificed to preserve our way of life and to protect and defend our Constitution. I especially am proud of you and proud of serving with you during my 30 years, and also today, if
I can serve you and help you in any way. It is a privilege to do so. So again, a big fight on to all of the veterans. I don’t Dylan Moore: Hello Trojans. My name is Dylan Moore, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker with the Student Health Center
Counseling mental health. As a United States Marine Corps veteran, a USC graduate and an advocate for this community. I’m honored to celebrate Veterans Day with you. To me legacy of service signifies that our journey and contributions extend well beyond military service. Each day here at USC, we have
The power to impact countless lives and better society through our unique experiences and abilities. My time here at USC as a graduate student has many cherished memories, especially the times that I was able to work alongside other student veterans towards a collective goal. I continue in my current
Role with the university to see how student veterans are transforming their classrooms, and becoming future experts and leaders in our community. I take great pride in witnessing the remarkable contributions our veterans make to the Trojan community. Together, we will continue to exemplify the values and skills instilled in us during our military service,
Thank you and fight on. Unknown: It’s an honor to address a community with such a strong legacy of service. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts on what a legacy of service means to myself, and the veteran community with a special salute
My fellow Marines. The legacy of service to me reflect the values and principles that veterans carry with them long after the active service has ended. It’s a commitment to God or no and the greater good. To me the legacy of service embodies courage,
Sacrifice, and resilience. As a Marine, I had the privilege of serving alongside some of the finest men and women our country has to offer. The Marine Corps instilled in me the values of honor, courage, and commitment. These are not just words, they
Are an embodiment of the legacy that we carry with us. service in the military is often about putting the needs of others before your own. It’s about being part of something greater than yourself. A mission that transcends individual goes, our legacy is one of selflessness. It’s about those moments when
You find strength to go on, not for your own sake, but for your brothers or sisters standing beside you. The veteran community represents an unbreakable bond. It’s a network of individuals who have faced adversity together, learn together and persevere together. Our shared experience creates a
Unique connection that extends beyond the uniform we want to work. The legacy of service also carries we we get a sense of duty towards our community. We’ve been trained to adapt to overcome and to lead. We have an incredible opportunity to our society in meaningful ways. It’s about making a positive impact,
Not during our service alone, but throughout our lives. However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that many veterans face as they transition into the civilian life. It can be a profound thing change. One that presents new battles to fight for the legacy of service means that we don’t
Give up. We don’t back down. We face these challenges with the same determination. That guidance has guided us in the service. It’s the duty of the society to recognize the value of veterans and support their transition. It’s about creating opportunities and offering a helping hand when needed. The
Legacy of service is not just the responsibility of veterans, it’s a shared responsibility to our entire community. To conclude, the legacy of service is about embody the core values we’ve been taught on courage and commitment, and leaving them every day. It’s about giving back and making the world a
Better place. It’s about recognizing the indomitable spirit that defines the veterans and supporting them as they continue to serve in their own unique way. I’m proud to be a Marine, and I’m proud to be part of the wider veteran community. Our legacy is of honor and our services on hand. And thank you
For this opportunity to share my thoughts with the community and to my fellow veterans. Thank you for your unwavering service. Semper Fidelis. Hi, my name is Angela de Scott, and I’m a United States Navy Veteran. I’m also a double Trojan fight on I graduated in
The class of 2022 of NBv. And now I’m a Rossier School of Education, organizational change and leadership doctoral students and cohort 27. I believe that creating legacy of service extends beyond time spent in the military. As a California Democratic Party, assembly district 51, delegate and member
Of the California Democratic Party veterans caucus, I carry the responsibility of voicing the concerns of my constituents, and fostering diversity within his political landscape. So creating a legacy of service for veterans is multifaceted. And it involves ensuring that all of your unique skills, experiences and values gained during the military service transfers into
Civilian life so that we can all benefit from your unique skill set, and also from your rich lived experiences. What does creating a lasting legacy of service mean to you? For me, it means collaborating, community building, and most of all, everyone having a holistic obligation to ensuring a better
World for each and every one of us fight on. Hello fellow veterans, my Trojan family and distinguished guests. My name is Richard Sol, and I’m a proud US Navy submarine veteran and the assistant director of the joint assembly for military affiliated students or gems. When I think of a
Legacy of service, I don’t merely reference time served, or missions accomplished. But I think of the spirit of dedication, sacrifices made and the lessons we carry forward. As Sir mariners our service underwater taught us about resilience, teamwork, and the depth of the human spirit. My
Time here at USC as a student veteran studying finance, and blockchain has allowed me to apply what the military has taught me. Along my college journey. I’ve made lifelong friends and wonderful memories, a journey that adds to my legacy of service. Because the military has helped me get to where I am
Today. I am truly grateful for my time and service, and I proudly share my experiences with my peers and anyone who is willing to listen. These experiences are not just tales of Valor, but also lessons in humility, camaraderie, and unwavering commitment. I believe as veterans, the legacy we leave
Behind are not in metals or in accolades, but in the inspiration we provide to the generations that follow the values that we have gained, served as beacons for those seeking direction. When I talk about a legacy of service, I remind people that it transcends time and profession. It is a
Call to selfishness, to dedication and to Unity. I encourage everyone to find that spirit within and to contribute to building a legacy of your own. Thank you for your service, and fight on. Hello, my name is Earl Barker. I am the GMs advocacy liaison and USGS undergraduate student government, a junior studying
Aerospace engineering, a cadet in the Air Force ROTC program at detachment 60 and child of two Air Force veterans. I grew up in a household that valued competence, ambition and integrity with two parents that encouraged me to push my limits both in and outside of the classroom. For me, a legacy of
Service characterizes the place I stand in my family’s history. I carry the mantle of dedication to my country forward, just like my parents did before me. Though the path I walk is not easy. The discipline required of me produces incredible rewards. While I develop my intellect in pursuit of a technical
Education, my interpersonal skills have flourished under the guidance of my peers and superiors, I am able to mentor students who are entering the program and watch them grow into commendable leaders and teammates. I challenged my physical limits within this close knit community, striving to improve my fitness while we cheer each other forward.
Training to become an officer has enriched my life, mind, body and soul. I reflect on my time as a cadet, in contrast to my childhood, observing the growth that took me from who I was, who I am, I am confident, competent and ambitious, capable of
Adapting to overcome obstacles and better the experience of those around me. As I continue my family’s legacy of service, I seek to contribute to that legacy within the Trojan family. Thank you. Hello, everyone. I’m Derek Melendez. And I’m currently serving as the president of the Veterans Association. at USC.
I’m studying human biology. But prior to that I was a Navy corpsman for seven years, most of which were spent either attached to First Marine Division, or the naval expeditionary medical training institute. First, I would like to go over what being a veteran at USC means to me. What I value
Most, as a veteran is the extensive community of fellow veterans. Trojan veterans support each other through personal and professional matters. We navigate challenges together, and we celebrate victories together. at USC, the veterans are present for each other, and I highly doubt that will ever change. Next is the legacy of service. The
Foundation of our legacy was formed in the military. And here we are enriching it as students, alumni, staff, faculty, or administrator. The relationship is symbiotic. The Veterans gain a world class education, as well as new career experiences. While the university gains future leaders and contributors to
Ensure its success. I would like to conclude by wishing everyone, a very Happy Veterans Day. And thank you all for your service. As I reflect on what legacy of service means to me, two important things come to mind. First, my family’s legacy of military service. I have numerous family members who
Served across all branches of the United States military, including a cousin who retired after more than 20 years as a colonel in the US Army. And my bonus dad, who retired as the United States Navy, Chief Petty Officer. So it only made sense
That I too, would serve. The second thing that comes to mind is that all of us can leave a legacy of service. We can be of service through civic engagement through our involvement in sororities, fraternities, social organizations, and through our religious institutions. So to all of my fellow military
Veterans, thank you for your service. And for those of you who haven’t served in the military, thank you for your service as well. Not only today on Veterans Day, but on all the days ahead. I hope that we’ll continue to create a legacy of
Service to and for all. Happy Veterans Day and vital on Deaf new and fellow Trojans. My name is Jim center and I’m the director ector of LA County Department of Military Veteran Affairs and a proud graduate of the MSW program at USC, class of
2010. on Veterans Day today 2023 Are reflect on what a legacy of service means to me. Legacy a service for me, I’m just reminded of how it’s a lot of the time military service and public service is a family tradition. We don’t make
Decisions of what we’re going to become and what we’re going to do and do the our entire lives in a vacuum or bubble. Oftentimes, we observe what our family or what our parents do and what their parents have done. And it becomes part of our
Legacy as well. And so 1000s of veterans in LA County, served served during the time of war signed up and served during a time of war and peace, to defend our country because their family members did. Also Additionally, you know, it’s not just specific
To military but also public servants. We need teachers, law enforcement, firefighters to, to continue to keep us safe and educate our next generation. And often a lot of them, it’s also a family business for them. Their parents or grandparents also were public servants. And that’s what drew them to what they do.
So today on Veterans Day 2023 As we celebrate Veterans and what we’ve accomplished, let’s also reflect on what why we’re here in our legacy. Fight on. Good afternoon Trojans. Thank you for joining us, both virtually and in person at the University of Southern California to honor and celebrate this Veterans Day. As
A veteran and the center supervisor for the Veterans Resource Center. I’m deeply proud to be part of an incredible community that values and supports our military members. On this special day, we do remember and pay tribute to the brave individuals who selflessly served our nation.
USC stands as a beacon of gratitude and respect for our veterans offering support and a warm embrace for those who have worn the uniform. I want to give a special shout out to the vets and the cadets who lead the joint assembly for military Associated Students and the Veterans Association at USC. You
Are some of the greatest leaders on this campus. And I’m excited for the future of both gems and USEPA. I also want to thank Dr. Monique Allard, the Vice President of Student Life and the student equity and inclusion programs for their continued support of the Veterans Resource Center and our student
Community. So let’s take a moment to express our heartfelt appreciation for the sacrifices made by our veterans and to ensure this that their service and dedication will never be forgotten. Be sure to thank the veteran today. Thank you for joining us in the celebration of honor and remembrance. Happy
Veterans Day and fight on
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