Memorial service recognizes Ohio State veterans

Memorial service recognizes Ohio State veterans

Annual Rock Ceremony honors Buckeye alumni who sacrificed in service

A 38-year career in the U.S. Navy highlights Walter "Ted" Carter Jr.'s commitment to service over self. The Ohio State University president led the annual Rock Ceremony at the Oval today as a veteran to honor fellow Buckeye veterans who gave their lives in the service of others.

"I ask you all to take a moment today to think about our veterans, what they do to support our freedom, our democracy, and our way of life," he said. "In return, it is our responsibility to support our veterans. Here at Ohio State, we take that responsibility seriously."

Carter, who retired from the Navy with the rank of vice admiral, flew combat missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Bosnia and Kosovo. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross with combat distinction for valor and the Bronze Star. He said the lifetime of service does not end when veterans hang up their uniform.

"We understand that service continues even after we take the uniform off, and that is a sign of what we're here for today. As we remember the deep tradition of service here at Ohio State and honor those who pay the ultimate price in service to our country, we will continue to dedicate our efforts as a university to fulfill our charge as a land-grant institution to support our military-connected students, faculty and staff," he said.

Carter's message was echoed by student veterans who support their peers on campus.

Sam Smith, president of the university's chapter of the Student Veterans Association, said the group's programs have provided support for her during her time at Ohio State. The veterans' advocacy program helps connect students to services like peer-to-peer support and community advocates who can help navigate campus life.

"Overall, Ohio State shows military-connected students that they're not alone in this process and in their desire to get their degree after or during their service, but instead that they have a large community that they can lean on for support while they are here and beyond," she said.

In addition to support services for current students, university organizations also assist the families of military service members. 1 Day for the K.I.A. is a student organization that funds living legacy scholarships for children, siblings and spouses of fallen service members to attend Ohio State.

"The scholarships are a way to keep the memory of the fallen alive by helping Buckeyes pursue their dreams," said Garrett Sanzo, president of 1 Day for the K.I.A.

Carter joined fellow veterans, university students, faculty and staff and members of the tri-service ROTC departments (Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force) to lay a wreath at the memorial rock outside Bricker Hall. The tradition began in 1919 when "Taps" was sounded each Wednesday morning to honor those who had lost their lives in World War I.

Men and women from Ohio State fought to protect the nation and many have paid the ultimate price - 918 alumni have sacrificed their lives in service to the country.

Ohio State is home to an extended military-connected community. More than 2,301 current veterans, dependents, and active duty, National Guard, and reserve members attend the university as undergraduate, graduate and professional students. This includes over 400 ROTC program participants. Additionally, Ohio State employs approximately 1,600 faculty and staff veterans.

Ohio State will observe Veterans Day on Nov. 11. There will be no classes and offices will be closed.

More Ohio State News