The Arkansas Tech University Office of Veteran Services will host free lunches for ATU students who are veterans and military affiliated personnel and the dependents of veterans and military affiliated personnel during the week of Aug. 23.
The meals will be served in the student veterans lounge in Doc Bryan Student Services Center room 104 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. each day from Monday, Aug. 23, through Friday, Aug. 27. In order to facilitate appropriate social distancing during the meal, participants will also be able to take advantage of the outdoor seating in the Doc Bryan Courtyard.
“We know that our military-affiliated students enjoy and need the company of their fellow service members,” said Kevin Solomon, associate dean for campus life at Arkansas Tech. “Their unique experiences bond them for life. That camaraderie creates an unbreakable support system. Being in each other’s company is often times essential, especially at times when members of the military community express they are facing challenging circumstances. We are pleased to be able to provide this opportunity through the ATU Office of Veteran Services.”
Five local businesses — George’s Termite and Pest Control, Off Road Tire, AffordaBull Heat and Air, Hodges Towing and Recovery and River Valley Realty — have come forward to sponsor the lunches.
In addition, Marine Corps League of Russellville will provide soft drinks in the lounge throughout the week of Aug. 23-27.
“When the student veterans lounge was envisioned, it was designed to be a place where veterans, military affiliated personnel and their dependents could gather and enjoy fellowship,” said Shelly Hall, ATU coordinator of veteran services. “As we begin a new semester with more students on campus and learning in person, it is the right time to facilitate that fellowship by creating this time and opportunity. We are grateful for the sponsors who are making this possible for our students.”
Learn more about the ATU Office of Veteran Services at www.atu.edu/veterans.
