On Veterans Day 2016, the University of Mary Washington joined the rest of America in honoring all of the military members who have defended our country. On Friday, Nov. 11, UMW held a flag-raising ceremony, bake sale and special pumped-up appearance by President Troy Paino.
Along with the Association of Student Veterans and the men’s rugby team, UMW’s president rolled up his sleeves and accepted the “22 Push-Up Challenge” that has takensocial media by storm. Well-wishers cheered him on during a lunchtime tribute on Ball Circle of the Fredericksburg campus.
“Campus support for the Veterans Day 22 Challenge was awesome!” said UMW Director of Leadership Golda Eldridge, who served the U.S. Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force from 1982 to 2010. “We were excited to see so many people, including President Paino, who dropped and gave their 22 pushups to raise awareness about the epidemic of veteran suicides.”
Each day in the United States, 22 veterans lose their own personal battles with depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, and other issues, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The “22 Push-Up Challenge” – where participants capture their push-ups on video and upload the clips, then challenge friends, family and coworkers to do the same – is raising awareness of the startling epidemic of veteran suicide. The project (https://www.22kill.com/22-honor-pushups/) aims to capture 22 million push-ups on video.
With 125 veterans currently enrolled, UMW has once again been designated a Military Friendly® School. The 2017 list, released by Victory Media, which publishes G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs℠, and Military Spouse, helps service members and their families select colleges, universities and trade schools that can best train them to pursue a civilian career.
The University’s Veterans Resource Center opened in December of 2014.