Penn State will host events throughout Military Appreciation Week to honor and celebrate those who’ve served in the armed forces. The festivities are set to get started on Saturday, November 7, and stretch through Saturday, November 14.

The week will kick off by honoring service members and veterans during Penn State football’s game against Maryland on November 7, although the annual tailgate party will not take place due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“While events and activities will be adapted this year to support the health and safety of our campus and local community members during the pandemic, we look forward to showcasing our ongoing pride and support for the Penn Staters, and all, who have fought and served over the years,” Colonel. Eugene McFeely, Penn State’s senior director for veterans affairs and services and chair of Penn State’s Military Appreciation Committee said.  

The week of festivities will include the annual Veteran’s Day ceremony as well as student panels. Fun activities such as yoga classes and scavenger hunts will also be included.

Additionally, community members can support veterans and service members by donating to the Penn State Military Student Fund.

Here is the full list of Penn State’s Military Appreciation Week events:

November 7-14 — Military Appreciation Week Scavenger Hunt

The Penn State Military Appreciation Week committee and the Downtown State College Improvement District have put together a week-long scavenger hunt around downtown State College. Individuals will visit 10 local businesses that will each display a Penn State veteran profile.

McLanahan’s (either location), The Tavern, The Corner Room, Lion’s Pride, Balfurd Dry Cleaners (downtown location), Happy Valley Optical, Harper’s, Saint’s Café, Webster’s Bookstore, and Your Cigar Den are participating.

Scan a QR code at all participating businesses and fill out a Google Form to be entered to win one of 10 $25 gift cards. Contact Chris Sebora at cts32@psu.edu for more information.

November 9 — State College Borough Military Appreciation Proclamation

The State College Borough will recognize Military Appreciation Week during a live-streamed meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday. The proclamation will honor military service members, veterans, and their families. The meeting will be broadcasted on C-NET (channel 7) and online at the C-NET website.

November 11 — Veterans Day Ceremony

Penn State will virtually honor those who have served in the armed forces. The link to the online service will open at 11 a.m. and begin with Penn State community messages. The Penn State Student Veterans Organization sponsors this annual service and will be streamed via WPSU at 11:11 a.m.

November 11 — Mindful Resilience Yoga

The Penn State Military Appreciation Events Committee is hosting yoga instructors from Wellness in Motion for the Veterans Yoga Project. The yoga session is open to anyone interested and will be held virtually from 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. To register, contact Renee Kotch at rak5434@psu.edu. The link to the virtual session will be provided upon registration.

November 11 — Student Veteran Panel

The “Ask a Vet” student panel will be held at 6 p.m. by the Penn State Student Veterans Organization. Calvin Firster (Air Force), Devon Francke (Army National Guard), Camilo Gomez (Marine Corps), and Erik Wilson (Navy) will be answering audience questions about life as a veteran. The link to the event will be posted here.

November 11 — Let’s Talk About Mental Health

This event will be held to learn about the effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and combat exposure on veterans’ mental health at 7 p.m.

Penn State professor, principal scientist, and founder of the Clearing House for Military Family Readiness at Penn State, Dr. Daniel F. Perkins, will lead the discussion. Register for the event here to receive the Zoom link and learn more.

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More information on military appreciation and Military Appreciation Week can be found here.