Veterans Day Ceremony Full of Reflection and Gratitude
In addition to hosting a week of events that acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the military and veteran community, Stockton University’s Military and Veteran Success Center (MVSC) held a ceremony in recognition of Veterans Day on Monday, Nov. 10.
Galloway, N.J. – In addition to hosting a week of events that acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of the military and veteran community, Stockton University’s Military and Veteran Success Center (MVSC) holds a yearly ceremony in recognition of Veterans Day, nationally celebrated on Nov. 11.
This year’s ceremony, held on Monday, Nov. 10, included remarks, the recitation of the National Anthem and a small reception.
At the top of the program, Ashley Jones, the assistant director of the MVSC, shared what the day meant to her as a military child and encouraged the audience to reflect on the service and duty required of the military and veteran community.
“Veterans Day is more than a day on a calendar; it is a moment for us to pause, reflect and express our deepest appreciation for the sacrifices made in the name of freedom,” Jones said. “Let us remember the dedication, courage and selflessness of our veterans. Let us honor their service by ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten and the values of their duty, honor and freedom, continue to be cherished by all.”
MVSC Director Michael Barany shared two facts with the crowd: this year marks the U.S. Marine Corps’ 250th anniversary, and April 30, 2025, marked the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War.
The Vietnam War anniversary, for Barany, revealed how much has changed for veterans. He shared that veterans back then were often told to hide their military service when applying for civilian jobs.
However, thanks to the work of veterans and support services over the last 50 years, veterans now have better access to resources when transitioning back to civilian life.
“The Vietnam generation struggled so that we didn’t have to,” Barany said. “The mental health support and community resources that we have at our disposal are because of the struggles and tribulations of our peers from over 50 years ago. Thank you for your service.”
One of those resources includes the American Legion, an organization that has supported veterans since World War I. Jim Scallion, a U.S. Army veteran who serves as the chairman for the New Jersey chapter of the American Legion’s Affordable Housing Committee, talked about his role in supporting at-risk veterans during the ceremony.
Jose Morales, a Business Administration major who served in the U.S. Army National Guard for 10 years, bravely shared his struggle with adjusting to civilian life.
“It was rough coming back to a country I was protecting, only to feel like it turned its back on me,” Morales said. “After two years out, I thought that going back in would fix me, so I did two more years. That was when I knew the battle followed me home. The uniform came off, but the war didn’t stop.”
However, he has since overcome these challenges by getting involved at Stockton, where he is now an active member of two student organizations, Los Latinos Unidos and the Military-Affiliated Students of Stockton (MASS).
“It took years for me to find my peace and understand why I was still here while so many of my friends were not, but I did, through helping others, performing acts of kindness, serving the community and giving back to Stockton University and the MVSC,” Morales said.
In MASS, Morales has a renewed sense of purpose in helping both his peers and the community. Just this fall, the club collaborated with others on campus to donate 200 bookbags filled with school supplies to local elementary schools in Pleasantville.
“Seeing the smiles on those kids’ faces reminded me that service never ends – it just takes new forms,” Morales said. “These days, my mission is not about survival, but about serving again, but in different ways: helping veterans find resources, talking with students who are struggling and showing people that we do not stop being soldiers when the uniform comes off, we just change the battlefield.”
Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to peruse the Faces of Stockton’s Military Community Photograph Project in the Campus Center Coffeehouse. There, attendees viewed portraits of students, faculty and staff who either served or are serving. The project will be on display throughout the week.
Here’s a list of other Veterans Week events at Stockton’s Galloway campus:
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
– Photos by Susan Allen
National Publication Names Stockton Top Veteran Friendly School
November 6, 2025
Galloway, N.J. — Growing up in Pleasantville, Jose Morales had always heard great things about Stockton University.
But there was one main reason why he decided to enroll in the university after spending 10 years in the Army National Guard.
“What really sealed the deal was how veteran-friendly the campus is,” said the Business Administration major. “From the first time I visited, I felt welcomed and supported.”
U.S. Veterans Magazine rewarded that level of support this week as it named Stockton a Top Veteran Friendly School. The latest award adds to the university’s distinguished list of recognitions for its exemplary outreach to military veterans through its Military and Veterans Success Center (MVSC).
“We are deeply honored that Stockton University has been recognized as a Top Veteran Friendly School by U.S. Veterans Magazine,” said Michael Barany, director of the MVSC. “This recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring every student who has served our nation receives the support, respect and opportunities they have earned. Our mission is to help veterans, service members and their families thrive, both in the classroom and beyond.”
-- Story by Mark Melhorn, photo by Susan Allen
Annual Ceremony Honors the Contribution of Vets and Their Families
November 6, 2024
Galloway, N.J. – The Military and Veteran Success Center of Stockton University commemorated Veterans Day, which is nationally celebrated on Nov. 11, with a week of celebrations that included a Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony in the Campus Center Grand Hall on Nov. 6.
The annual ceremony’s speeches emphasized two major themes — the importance of learning from and honoring the past and the profound impact of familial support for those who are or have served.
Maj. Steven Mares (Ret.), a senior Army instructor for Central Regional High School's JROTC program, served as this year’s guest speaker. He shared details about one of the community service projects created by CRHS-JROTC upperclassmen that he has helped facilitate.
The project’s main purpose — to honor and highlight the contributions of Vietnam War veterans currently living in Bayville — made the retired major proud. The statistics that the high school students found and shared with him in a presentation proposing the project, however, made Mares admittedly emotional.
“1.7 million U.S. citizens were drafted in the U.S. military to serve in Vietnam, and more than 58,000 comrades were killed in action,” Mares said.
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
– Photos by Susan Allen
