VIDEO: UC Veterans Ceremony Highlights 'Ohio G.I. Promise'

A mild, sunny day brought together the UC community, military veterans and 100 ROTC cadets for the annual University of Cincinnati ceremony to honor the service of veterans. The morning ceremony was held Nov. 6 on McMicken Commons.

On this occasion, Anthony J. Perzigian, UC senior vice president and provost, announced plans for UC to become the “preeminent destination for American’s veterans,” as UC supports “The Ohio G.I. Promise,” which came about after President George Bush signed the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act last June. “The Ohio G.I. Promise” was signed by Ohio Governor Ted Strickland last July – an executive order stating that veterans of the U.S. Armed Services, their spouses and dependents may immediately qualify for classification as Ohio residents for tuition purposes.

“To lead the way on this opportunity for our veterans, UC has assembled a task force of university leaders to establish a UC admissions and support plan that will ensure that UC is the preeminent destination for America’s veterans who want to advance their education using their post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits,” Perzigian announced at the ceremony. “This is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our great country.”

Perzigian also presented an Honorary Bachelor of Business Administration to 92-year-old Charles Wesley “Wes” Newkirk. Newkirk was a member of the Class of 1942 but cut his studies short when he was called to serve as Second Lieutenant in the 6th Armored Division under General George Patton.

Arriving to Normandy shortly after D-Day, he spent more than one-and-a-half years deployed in Europe. Upon returning home, family obligations prevented the longtime Hamilton community leader from finishing his degree at UC. Perzigian remarked that during Newkirk’s time at UC, he met his future wife and was a member of Sigma Sigma and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity.

The featured speaker was Brigadier General David G. Ehrhart, Staff Judge Advocate Headquarters Materiel Command at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Ehrhart said that the Veterans Day holiday was a time to think of the sacrifice and service of the nation’s veterans, “giving of themselves to something greater than themselves, the United States of America.”

Ehrhart said the veterans are honored for their patriotism, their love of country and their willingness to sacrifice for the common good. Through the decades, he said countless veterans have made a difference in every American conflict, as well as in humanitarian missions.

Perzigian remarked on the numerous UC faculty, staff and students who have served in the armed forces. “They have made countless sacrifices and endured untold hardships.” Perzigian paid special tribute to the UC community’s Vietnam Veterans and presented certificates of appreciation to 25 members of the UC community for their service during the Vietnam era. “Your dedication reflects great credit upon you, the University of Cincinnati and the United States of America,” read part of the inscription on the certificate.

 The observance closed with “Taps,” played by UC buglers Nathan Wiczer and Christian Schuster, who were stationed in the towers of Tangman University Center and McMicken Hall.

The ceremony was presented by the Office of the President, Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost, Governmental Relations and University Communications, the UC Air Force and Army ROTC, Student Government and MainStreet. The UC Bearcat Band played military marches as guests arrived for the ceremony.

University offices will be closed on Nov. 11 to mark the Veterans Day holiday.