News
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‘This is Going to Save Lives’: Camp Grayling Emerges as Hub for Military Drone Testing
The designation is part of a broader push to get new drone technology into the hands of service members and industry partners more quickly. This year, that effort is playing out during Northern Strike, the annual training exercise that brings thousands of service members to northern Michigan to prepare for…
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Over 9,000 Military Personnel are Descending on Michigan for One of the Nation’s Largest Training Exercises
As the title suggests, participants from 36 states and five international participants will take part in Northern Strike 26-2, one of the nation’s largest reserve-component military readiness exercises. Click here to read more.
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Sacred Ground: Stepping Off the Map and Onto the Beaches, Cliffs of Normandy
They have studied World War II and learned how U.S. Army rangers stormed Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944, scaling the Normandy cliffs under heavy enemy fire. And they know about D-Day, the largest amphibious invasion in history and the bloody battle that marked a turning point for the Allied…
Upcoming Events
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The Hidden Dossier: Investigating the Unwritten Rules of the Academy for Graduate Students
Do you want to learn the unwritten rules of the university? Are you searching for the hidden maps to funding and professional success? This workshop helps you solve the puzzle of the hidden curriculum within the university landscape. We provide the tools to navigate the complex systems of funding and campus culture. You will gain the skills needed to build your own path to academic achievement. This workshop supports master’s students, doctoral students, post-doctoral students, and post-bachelor students, especially those who identify as student caregivers and veterans or active military.
November 13th, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM EST
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VA Benefits and Healthcare
Britt Tyrrell from VA Healthcare and Jon Cugini from VA Benefits will answer questions about the nearby VA hospital, healthcare eligibility, benefits for veterans and dependents, and VA educational benefits.
November 13th, 2026 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM EST
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Marching With the First Female Cadets in the U.S. Air Force Academy
Author Kathleen Kornahrens will tell of her experience as a member of the first class to include women at the U.S. Air Force Academy as detailed in her book, “‘Bring Me Men…’ Brought Women: Marching with the First Female Cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy.”
November 12th, 2026 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM EST
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Last Full Measure Book Discussion
Author Kim Clarke will talk about her research and her journey in writing the book. Q&A session will follow the lecture.
November 12th, 2026 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
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Green Zone Training
The Office of Enrollment Management and Veteran and Military Services present an interactive lecture focusing on military service and transitioning out of the military as it relates to military-connected students. Sessions include Military 101, Myths and Stereotypes of Military Service, VA Healthcare and VA Benefits, and Resources for Military-connected Students.
Click here to learn more.November 12th, 2026 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM EST
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LGBTQ+ in the Military
Since 1778, when Lieutenant Gotthold Frederick Enslin became the first service member dismissed from the military for homosexuality, persons who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender have faced discrimination in the military. Since the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” LGBTQ+ service members have been allowed to serve openly in the U.S. military, and federal benefits have been extended to cover their dependents. Come hear veterans talk about their service, sacrifice, and discrimination they faced while serving their country.
November 12th, 2026 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM EST
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Flag Lowering
Join us for the ceremonial lowering of the flag. This tradition is done each day at every military base and station across the U.S. and around the world. Come and join us as we respect those who continue to serve their country and those who have served by participating in this important tradition.
November 11th, 2026 5:45 PM – 6:15 PM EST
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Women in the Military Panel
Even before WWI, women have served vital supportive roles in the U.S. military. Now, women are serving alongside their male counterparts in some of the most dangerous work in the military. Often they have to overcome sexist stereotypes, sexual harassment, or worse, all while serving their country. Come and hear their stories of perseverance, grit, and courage as they honorably served in the U.S. military. Hosted by Katherine Fiorillo, U.S. Army veteran.
November 11th, 2026 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
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Veteran/Military Appreciation Lunch
If you have served or are serving in the military, we want to thank you for your service to our country with a drop-in luncheon! Formal remarks will take place from noon to 12:30 p.m. If you are faculty, staff, or a student who has served or is currently serving in the U.S. military and did not get an invitation, please email [email protected].
Click here to learn more (invite only).November 11th, 2026 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST
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Flag Raising on the Diag
Join us for the ceremonial raising of the flag. This tradition is done each day at every military base and station across the U.S. and around the world. Come and join us as we respect those who continue to serve their country and those who have served by participating in this important tradition.
November 11th, 2026 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM EST
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The Veterans for Peace – 92 Peace Scholarship Concert
Initially, the concert celebrated John Lennon’s birthday and was aimed at raising funds for the Veterans for Peace (VFP) Peace Scholarship Program.
Tickets can be acquired from The Ark and VFP members ($20) or at The Michigan Ticket Office or online ($24).
November 10th, 2026 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM EST
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Student Veteran Panel
Ever wondered what do students think about their experiences of the military and U-M? What did they do during the military? How smooth was the transition from the military to U-M? These will all be answered by a group of student veterans at U-M!
November 10th, 2026 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM EST
Past Events
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Vet Fest
VetLife is proud to host one of the largest free festival for veterans, active duty, retired and their families. Veterans can expect a variety of food, resources, live music, school supply giveaways, celebrity appearances, bouncy castles, and much more. Veterans in attendance are also eligible for giveaway prizes. Click here…
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5th Annual Washtenaw County Vet Fest
Join the Ann Arbor Veteran Affairs as they host the 5th annual Washtenaw County Vet Fest. A free, family-friendly celebration that honors Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The event will hold a variety of entertainment which includes but not limited to: resource booths, live entertainment, kids’ activities, food,…
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Michigan 2026 ROTC Awards Banquet
The Michigan ROTC Awards Banquet is one of its Chapter’s signature events which provides the defense community an opportunity to recognize the academic and leadership accomplishments of approximately 100 cadets and midshipmen from Michigan Universities ROTC programs. Click here to read the full story →
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LSA OptiMize/NPTCG Recharge Night
We are excited to announce that OptiMize and NPTCG will be partnering to host Winter 2026 Recharge Events this semester! Please join us on Friday, April 10 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM in the LSA Multipurpose Room for our OptiMize/NPTCG Recharge event! These events are designed to create a welcoming and supportive space for non-traditional students (those 24-years or older; returning to education after…
