Veterans Appreciation Week
At the George Washington University, veterans are a small yet vital part of our community—bringing leadership, experience, and a spirit of service that enriches campus life and the world beyond. Each year, we dedicate the week of Veterans Day to honoring our veteran students, alumni, faculty, and staff. Join us as we come together to celebrate their contributions, share their stories, and express our gratitude for their service to our nation.
Keynote Event: Veterans Day Luncheon Ceremony
Tuesday, 11 November at 11 am to 1 pm
Continental Ballroom, University Student Center
Join us for GW’s Veterans Day Ceremony, our signature event celebrating the student veterans, alumni, faculty, and staff who have worn the uniform of the United States.
Dress code: Business casual.
Veterans Week Schedule
- Monday, 10 November
Virtual Roll Call with the SVA
- Location: Zoom
- 3:30 pm to 4:45 pm
Start Veterans Appreciation Week by joining the Virtual Roll Call! GW students, alumni, faculty, and staff are invited to sound off in the chat as we welcome our partners from the Student Veterans of America (SVA).
GW alumna Tammy Barlet and Faisal Sulman will highlight SVA’s mission, discuss policy priorities for the 2026 Congressional Session, and share how GW can engage during Washington Week 2026.
- Tuesday, 11 November
Veterans Day Luncheon Ceremony
- Location: University Student Center, Continental Ballroom
- 11 am to 1 pm
- Dress code: Business casual
This year, we proudly honor Dr. Andy Sonn for his exceptional dedication to GW’s veteran and military-affiliated community.
We’ll also welcome guest speaker Dr. Eric Chastain, DSW, MSW, MPA, Retired Command Sergeant Major and first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the White House Military Office, Pat Tillman Scholar, Adjunct Professor at USC-DC, and GW graduate student at the College of Professional Studies. Dr. Chastain will share his reflections on transitioning from military to civilian life and what service continues to mean to him today.
GW Women's Basketball vs Howard
- Location: Charles E Smith Center
- 6 pm
Cheer on the GW Women’s Basketball Team as they face Howard University in a special Veterans Appreciation Game, celebrating our student veterans, alumni, and service members.
- Wednesday, 12 November
Tailgate for GW Men's Basketball Game
- Location: Military Commnity Center
- 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Meet up with GW Vets for a pre-game tailgate before cheering on the GW Men’s Basketball Team vs. American University.
GW Men's Basketball vs American University
- Location: Charles E Smith Center
- 7 pm
Join us for a night of hoops with the GW Revolutionaires and the AU American Eagles. The Office of Military and Veteran Services has a section set aside with FREE tickets for our veteran and military-affiliated friends. Tickets are limited, reserve yours now! Limit two tickets per person.
And, don't miss the halftime game between GW Vets and the GW NROTC cheer on our veterans and rising Navy officers as they take to the court in a fierce five on five competition.
Missed your chance at the free tickets? There are discounted tickets available for military-affiliated and first-responders!
- Thursday, 13 November
Green Zone Training for Students, Faculty, and Staff
- Location: Zoom
- 3 pm to 4:30 pm
Join the Office of Military and Veteran Services for a virtual Green Zone Training — a program designed to help GW faculty, staff, and students better understand the experiences of veterans and service members, and learn how to create a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.
- Friday, 14 November
Art Therapy with GW Art Therapy Clinic
- Location: Military Community Center
- 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm
Wind down the week with an Art Therapy session hosted by the GW Art Therapy Clinic.
Veterans Appreciation BBQ
- Location: Military Community Center
- 3pm to 5 pm
Stick around for a Veterans Appreciation BBQ for veteran students, faculty, and staff. Come for the art — stay for the food and good company!