Several events are scheduled at Pitt campuses next week, leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11.

Pitt–Greensburg, in particular, is marking Veterans Week 2023 with the theme “75 years of breaking barriers,” which marks the 75th anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act and Executive Order 9981 of 1948. These orders allowed women to serve as regular members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps and directed the desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces, respectively.

A panel discussion on Nov. 6 will feature a 102-year-old WAVE veteran, a combat medic, and a UH-60 Blackhawk pilot.

Pitt community members also are asked to RED Out on Nov. 10 to “Remember Everyone Deployed.” Wear red to show your support of US Military deployed across the globe.

Other events

NOV. 4

Veterans Breakfast Club, 8:30-10:30 a.m. (Hempfield Room, Chambers Hall, Greensburg): This is Pitt–Greensburg’s third Veterans Breakfast Club live event. Veterans from all eras, their families, and anyone interested in learning more about the veterans' service experiences are encouraged to attend. Todd DePastino, executive director of the Pittsburgh-based Veterans Breakfast Club group, will emcee. An RSVP is requested for planning purposes. Thanks to the support of Premier Sponsor Humana, there is no cost to attend. Even without an RSVP, you can still attend.

NOV. 6

Wreath Ceremony, 11:30 a.m. (Veterans Plaza, Greensburg): The campus community invites the public to the Wreath Ceremony outside Chambers Hall. Aryanna Wagner, an Army veteran of the Iraq War, will lead the event. Also participating will be an Honor Guard made up of Pitt-Greensburg ROTC cadets and bugler Tom Beaver, USAF veteran.

Reflections of Service: 75 Years of Breaking Barriers, 6 p.m. (Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center, Greensburg): This panel discussion will feature women veterans sharing their stories and experiences. Army veteran Dorey Stabile will moderate. Other participants are:

• Julia Parsons, WWII code breaker, ENIGMA: Now 102 years old, worked as a cryptologist while a Navy WAVE. She helped break the Germans’ naval codes, often locating the precise locations and plans of the U-Boat (submarine) fleet.

• Toshua Jarrett, combat medic: Jarrett is the chief development officer at the Veterans Leadership Program. A native of Marion Center, Pa., Jarrett was a combat medic in the Army and is a veteran of the historic 1st Infantry Division — “The Big Red One.”

• Jackie Bechdel, UH-60 Blackhawk pilot:  Bechdel was born and raised in Western Pennsylvania and officially enlisted in the Army Reserves through ROTC in October 2001. Upon graduation in 2003, she earned her commission as a second lieutenant. She began flight school at Fort Rucker (Alabama) and did her advanced aircraft training in the UH-60 Blackhawk at the Eastern Army Aviation Training Site. Her detachment was deployed in September 2006 to support Operation Enduring Freedom in Kosovo. Bechdel was honorably discharged from the Army in October 2011.

NOV. 7

Speed Networking, 2-4 p.m. (University Club, Conference Room A, Oakland): All Pitt student veterans, ROTC, active military, Guard and Reserves, and military dependents will have an opportunity to network with fellow members of the Pitt Military community through a fun round of speed friending. During the event, participants will be encouraged to participate in a bingo-style collection game to win Pitt-themed prize. Register HERE 

NOV. 8

Screening of the documentary “Silver Wings/Flying Dreams: The Complete Story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots,” 6 p.m. (Village Hall 118, Greensburg):  Surviving Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) relive their personal experiences during World War II as the first female pilots to fly American military aircraft — ferrying aircraft, flying as test and transport pilots, towing targets for anti-aircraft gunnery practice, training male pilots, and testing top-secret radio control aircraft.  

Salute To Service, 2-4 p.m. (William Pitt Union, Dining Room B, Oakland): Meet some of Pitt's inspiring students where you will be able to talk to them about their experiences with the military, try on military gear, and maybe, challenge an ROTC cadet to some push-ups. Email us with any questions: veterans@pitt.edu

NOV. 9

Change of Mission: Life Challenges after Military Service, 6:30 p.m. (Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center, Greensburg): Tyshawn Jenkins, an Air National Guard veteran, will discuss his journey through military deployments to finding his purpose and sharing his battles after leaving the military. Part of Warriors Speak, a group of wounded veterans and caregivers, he shares his motivational stories of service and sacrifice in order to raise awareness of the needs of this generation’s injured military service members and their families.

NOV. 10

Annual Veterans Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Hempfield Room, Chambers Hall, Greensbug): Pitt-Greensburg's chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, the national freshman honor society, will host its annual Veterans Luncheon in recognition of the service of regional military veterans. This event is open to all veterans, whether part of the campus community or in the greater Greensburg community. 

Bradford Veteran’s Day Honor Breakfast 2023, 7-8 a.m. (University Room): If you are a student veteran, student presently serving, student receiving military benefits, alumnus, faculty, staff, or friend of the university, you are welcome at this breakfast, followed by a short program. RSVP by Nov. 9, via email at bab15@pitt.edu. You can also watch a live stream of the event on our YouTube channel.

PITT VETERANS SERVICES

Pitt Office of Veterans Services: veterans.pitt.edu

Greensburg: greensburg.pitt.edu/veterans

Bradford: upb.pitt.edu/veterans

Johnstown: johnstown.pitt.edu/admissions/special-programs/mountaincat-veterans-program