Student veterans and military-connected Bruins share reflections on service, sacrifice and what Veterans Day means to them
Belmont is proud to celebrate Veterans Week, a time to honor the service and sacrifice of those who have served our country –– and the more than 360 active-duty, veteran, ROTC and military-affiliated students who call Belmont home.
Throughout the week, the campus community will take part in events that honor, educate and connect. Highlights include the Military Appreciation Night at the men’s basketball season opener versus Air Force, a Veterans Week Flag Planting Tribute on Freedom Plaza and a “Thanking Those Who Served” Luncheon in the Bruin Vets Center.
On Tuesday evening, the Bell Tower and Freedom Plaza fountain will glow green for Operation Green Light, symbolizing Belmont’s visible support of veterans and military families across the nation.
To mark the week, several student veterans and military-connected Bruins are sharing reflections on service, sacrifice and what Veterans Day means to them.
Stories of Service
Abigail Daugherty
Economics & Political Science
Daughter of U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Kevin Daugherty
“As a member of a military family, I have always been inspired by the strong sense of community shared among other military families. There’s a unique bond formed through shared experiences of sacrifice, resilience and constant change. Watching my family and others support one another through the difficulty of deployments or moves has inspired a spirit of unity, adaptability and service in my own life.”
Cynthia Reyes
Exercise Science 3+3
Sergeant First Class (Ret.), U.S. Army
“Serving taught me that that every small freedom we cherish—the laughter, the peace, the everyday moments—exists because of the silent sacrifices of those whose names we’ll never know. Their courage is the heartbeat of the greatest country on Earth.”
Christopher Garcia Bataz
Nursing
Officer Under Instruction, Second Class, U.S. Navy
“The military gave me confidence and a village of Navy nurses who stood behind me while I took my baby steps into my education. I had just dropped out of college and was devastated because nursing was my lifelong dream. They believed in me long before I did, and now I hope to do the same for someone like me. This is what the military is about: taking care of those in front of you and knowing the person behind you is doing the same. A great Navy nurse once told me, ‘It is not about what you did, but what you do with what you did.’ I chose to do everything I never thought I could.”
Ralph Hudson
Liberal Studies
Intelligence Specialist, Gunnery Sergeant (Ret.), U.S. Marine Corps
“Veterans Day is a moment to pause and honor the people who chose service. It’s about remembering the shared commitment and carrying those values of integrity and service into our communities every day.”
Sam McMahan
Music Business
Aviation Machinist Mate, Petty Officer 3rd Class (Ret.), U.S. Navy
“I have a grandad whom I never met that served in the Navy during WW2. He was a hero and received the Navy Cross and two Purple Hearts for helping save the USS Lexington from sinking. He survived the war yet passed when my dad was young. He was my inspiration to join the Navy. Oddly enough, we both sworn in on a Friday the 13th –– lucky for some, unlucky for others.”
Why It Matters
Veterans Week offers Belmont students, faculty and staff a meaningful opportunity to come together in gratitude and reflection while recognizing the courage and dedication of those who serve. The celebration also highlights the University’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students through community, academic resources and belonging.
Learn More
See how Belmont supports veterans.