The Office of Veterans and Military Programs hosts several events in support of our UConn Veteran and military population as well as events to recognize the sacrifices service members have made regardless of their affiliation to the University. Though our schedule of events varies year to year, our office always hosts two primary events, in conjunction with other departments, in support of our veteran and military population.
Military Appreciation Day Football Game:
The first is the Military Appreciation Day Football Game held annually at a Fall home game of the UConn Huskies at Pratt and Whitney stadium in East Hartford. Our office works with UConn Athletics to coordinate volunteers to bring a large flag onto the field to honor our service members through a pre-game national anthem ceremony. Veterans, members of the military, their dependents, and the greater community are invited to carry the flag onto the field and unfurl it in front of a national audience. These volunteers are also provided free admission to the game and are invited to a pre-game mixer with our office.
Husky Run & Ruck:
In partnership with The Hartford Marathon Foundation and UConn Rec, the annual Husky Run & Ruck offers a 10K run, 5K run/walk and untimed 1 mile walk that all start and end in the heart of UConn Storrs campus. Taking place on Veterans Day weekend, the event honors those who have served. Through UConn’s Office of Veterans Affairs and Military Programs proceeds will provide scholarships for military and veteran students as well as benefit the Kyle Milliken Fund. Join us in a salute to service!
The rolling courses explore campus and the rural Mansfield-Storrs area, with 10K runners tackling the infamous Bonemill loop. The challenging Bonemill course has long been a proving ground for runners and athletes at UConn. We encourage participants to run or ruck “Bonemill” in honor of Kyle Milliken, Navy SEAL and UConn track and field athlete who was killed in action.
Veterans Day Ceremony:
The Veterans Day ceremony is held annually at The Ultimate Sacrifice Memorial on the Great Lawn, or in the North Reading Room of Wilbur Cross. This annual ceremony honors the service and sacrifice made by members of the military that have died during times of war and involves a joint color guard by our two resident ROTC detachments, a placing of the wreath by student veterans, and respectful comments by guest speakers. The entire community is welcome to attend.
