Schedule

Veterans Vigil 2009
18th Anniversary
Reservists
Veterans Vigil Website
http://military.tamu-commerce.edu

November 4 – 6, 2009
Veterans Vigil site constructed on the North Lawn, SRSC
Color Guard - LCDR Reed on 11/5 ~ Practice 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. 

Monday, November 9, 2009

11:00 a.m.          Reception/Vigil Guest Book/Ribbons
                                Pre-Function Area-SRSC

                                OPENING CEREMONY

                                Veterans Vigil Welcome

Conference Room C
Ceremonies hosted by Dr. Dan Jones
President, Texas A&M University-Commerce

Ceremonies directed by:  Ms. Connie Mears (Chairperson)
Mr. James Vanbebber (Student Chairperson)
Students in service uniforms recognized during the ceremony

11:30 a.m.            Program Begins
Navy Junior ROTC ~ Greenville High School
A&M Marching Band Members     
Presentation of Colors

National Anthem
Sergeant Aubrey England, USMC                   

Welcome
Dr. Dan Jones
President
Texas A&M University-Commerce

Proclamation:  “Remember Us”
Mr. Quay Throgmorton
Mayor
City of Commerce

Video: “Reservist”
Videographer ~ Robyn Hollis Price

Mr. Derryle Peace, Alumni Relations Director
Grant Recipient:  PS1 James Vanbebber

Speakers:

Recognition of Veterans and Guests
James Vanbebber

Dr. James Nicholson (Marine/Reservist)
Keynote Speaker

                12:20 p.m. Begin Processional to Vigil Site
North Lawn
Navy Junior ROTC ~ Greenville, TX
POW/MIA Flag
United States Flag
Texas Flag
Spirit of America Flag

History of POW/MIA Flag:      CPO Vic Tornero

Lighting of the Vigil Flame:   Dr. James Nicholson (USMC) and Aubrey England (USMC)

A Vigil Flame will be lit for POW-MIAs, as well as, to honor veterans and fallen soldiers of all wars and conflicts.  The focus of this year is the Reservist.  A vigil will begin with the lighting ceremony and culminate on Veteran’s Day with Taps, candlelight ceremony and the extinguishing of our flame on the North Lawn of the Sam Rayburn Student Center on November 11, 2009, at 5:00 p.m.

Presentation of 2009 Plaque and Placing of Wreath by President Dan Jones and student chairperson, Mr. James Vanbebber

Taps Performed by two Texas A&M-Commerce band students

Posting of the 1st Guard:  Dr. Wendell Edwards
Revolutionary War Uniform

First-Year Leadership Class to Host Military Guards (11/9 – 11/11)

5:45 p.m. Swearing-In of Recruits

Ferguson Social Sciences Auditorium

CO NRD Dallas and Recruits

Freedom Rock Band ~ Complimentary Performance ~ 6:00 p.m.

MU1 Jeremy Bustillos (jbustillos@gmail.com)
MU2 Winnie Dawkins

Tuesday, November 10th

Youth Program 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Coordinator:  Robyn Hollis Price
Veterans Vigil Video Presentation
Breakout Rooms ~ SRSC
Speakers:  Dr. Keith McFarland, Dr. Joseph Webber and Harry Thompson.  Vanbebber seeking former military personnel to speak.
Half Track Provided by Clay Cunningham
Navy SUV Provided by NRD Dallas
Area Schools
Commerce Middle School (6th Grade)
Janet John - Teacher
120 Students

Cooper Elementary School (5th Grade)
Karen Long – Teacher
68 Students

Veterans Appreciation Open House
Student Access and Success Center
10:00 a.m. -2:00 p.m.
Sponsors:  Career Development and Military and Veterans Services Office
Recruiters onsite during the Open House
Refreshments Provided

12:00 p.m.            Rucksack to Backpack Workshop
Yellow Ribbon GI Bill
Welcome Center (Corner of Stonewall and Campbell)

Wednesday, November 11th

Veterans Appreciation Day
TBC Bookstore
10% Discount all day

12:00 p.m.                            Diversity in Dialogue
Robert Dotson, Office of Diversity and Cultural Affairs and the Veterans Vigil Committee
Topic:  “Stories from the Frontline:  Those that are Affected”
Innovation A Room
Light Refreshments Served

3:30 p.m.                               Fly-By ~ North Lawn, SRSC
Col Cox
Aircraft:  F-16’s
Mark Cline (USAF, Ret.)  Radio Communications

3:45 p.m.                               Military and Veterans Services Presentation
Alumni Center Conference Room

4:00 p.m.                               Pancake Supper
North Lawn-SRSC
Rain Location:  Student Center Conference Rooms (A, B and C)
5:00 p.m.                                              
Candlelight Vigil
Dr. Randall Hooper, Director of Choral Activities
Closing Remarks

Extinguish Flame on Command
Dr. James Nicholson and Aubrey England

President’s Salute

Chaplain:  Kathryn Sullivan ~ American Legion Post #1

Chief Donna Spinato to provide PAWS ALERT
Marquees on campus to note 21-Gun Salute
Rifle Salute to Fallen Veterans:  Hunt County Veterans Honor Guard
Jerry Malone                                       
Taps