UCO Honors Service and Sacrifice at Annual Veterans Day Celebration

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Central Veterans hosted its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11 in the Nigh University Center’s Heritage Room to honor the service, sacrifice, and lasting contributions of U.S. military veterans.

Organized by Central Veterans in collaboration with Veteran Student Services and the UCO Army ROTC, the event brought together students, faculty, and veterans to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day and the importance of community support for those who have served.

JD Pena-Rodriguez, treasurer of Central Veterans and a U.S. Army veteran, said this year’s celebration aimed to go beyond recognition by encouraging the campus to take an active role in supporting the veteran community.

“We wanted to go beyond words to show understanding, empathy, and active support from everyone,” Pena-Rodriguez said.

“This celebration was about recognizing courage, leadership, and the shared purpose that comes with service.”

Throughout the ceremony, speakers shared personal memories from their military service and discussed themes such as recognizing service and sacrifice, bridging the civilian-military gap, and building campus unity. Pena-Rodriguez reflected on how those experiences shape character and values, adding that he wanted civilians to have a greater understanding of the realities of military life, such as missed family moments and the challenges veterans face when coming home.

“I wanted to highlight how military service offers opportunities for personal growth, education, and leadership development, especially for those from modest backgrounds or immigrant families,” he said.

UCO’s Veterans Day celebration also showcased the university’s ongoing commitment to supporting military-connected students through Central Veterans, a central hub for benefits guidance, academic support, community engagement, and advocacy.

“Central Veterans helps bridge the gap between military and academic life,” Pena-Rodriguez said. “We work to make sure student veterans feel supported both academically and personally.”

He said that many veterans experience culture shock when going from a mission-driven setting to civilian education, but gatherings like these help them feel a sense of belonging.

For Pena-Rodriguez, the day carries deep personal meaning. “As a disabled combat veteran, it’s more than a holiday, it’s validation,” he said.

“It reminds me that UCO isn’t just an educational institution, it’s a community that honors our service, recognizes our sacrifices, and invests in our future success.”