Arizona State University will host its annual Salute to Service event from November 6 to November 16, featuring a variety of activities designed to honor military personnel, veterans, and their families across its campuses in metro Phoenix.
Focus on Family
This year’s theme, “family,” emphasizes the essential role families play in supporting those who serve. The Salute to Service coincides with ASU’s Family Weekend, which runs from November 6 to November 8, culminating in a signature football game on November 7.
Matt Schmidt, director of development and strategic partnerships at ASU’s Pat Tillman Veterans Center, noted the importance of community support. The center supports over 23,000 military-connected students, including active-duty members, veterans, and their dependents.
Diverse Events Scheduled
The Salute to Service will feature a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities, many of which are free to the public. Highlights include:
- ROTC Joint Run: A three-mile formation run by ASU’s Army, Navy, and Air Force ROTC cadets, starting at Old Main, Tempe campus, on November 6 at 6 a.m.
- A Piece of My Heart: A play depicting the stories of six women who served during the Vietnam War, running from November 5 to November 8 at Empty Space Theater, Tempe. Tickets are $5–10.
- Pat Tillman Veterans Center Family Matters Brunch: A gathering for military families to connect on November 7 from 10 a.m. to noon at Memorial Union, Tempe campus. This event is free.
- Salute to Service football game: ASU will face Colorado on November 7 at 5:30 p.m. at Mountain America Stadium, featuring a flyover by F-35 jet fighters. Ticket prices vary.
- 320Live! Veteran Organizations: A virtual series on November 9 from 4-5 p.m. featuring alumni who lead veteran support organizations, available to online participants.
- Veterans Voices: Dependents Panel Discussion: A discussion for military family members on November 10 from 3-4 p.m. online.
- Salute to Nutrition: A cooking class led by ASU Chef Kent Moody on November 12 from 3-4 p.m. at Downtown Phoenix campus, free for military members and first responders.
- Citizenship in the Age of Endless Wars: A discussion led by U.S. Marine Corps veteran Phil Klay on November 12 from 4-5 p.m. at Carson Ballroom, Tempe campus, and online.
- Monthly Social: Skate Night: An evening for military-connected students on November 13 from 6-9 p.m. at Skateland in Mesa, free of charge.
- 24th Annual ASU West Valley Veterans Pow Wow: A celebration of Native American heritage and veterans on November 14 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the West Valley campus, free to attend.
- Future Visions: Art and Stories from the Veterans Imagination Project: A student showcase on November 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the Tempe campus, free for attendees.
Source: Arizona State University
