Source: Matthew Henry, mdhenry@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Matthew Henry is a graduate of Olathe Northwest High School.
News release prepared by: Calin Cooney, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2010

AIR FORCE ROTC CONDUCTING SILENT GUARD TO HONOR VETERANS

MANHATTAN -- A 24-hour silent guard will be conducted Veterans Day, Thursday, Nov. 11, at Kansas State University's Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

The Lloyd B. Vorhies Arnold Air Society Squadron of K-State Air Force ROTC Detachment 270 will be conducting the event. Cadet 1st Lt. Matt Henry, a junior in computer engineering and honor guard commander for Detachment 270, will lead the event. Henry is from Olathe.

The event will honor U.S. veterans, and especially the 42 K-State graduates who died in service during the Vietnam War.

"The names of the personnel who had an affiliation with K-State and served in Vietnam are listed on the university's memorial," Henry said. "This is a symbolic event to represent all who have, who are and who will serve in the future."

The memorial is east of K-State's Danforth and All Faiths chapels. The event will be from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. Nov. 11.

"Air Force ROTC cadets will remain at attention for one-hour increments," Henry said.

Henry believes the 24-hour vigil will foster a sense of pride and patriotism among cadets. He also thinks it will provide them with an understanding of the gravity of the occupation they intend to enter, and an appreciation for the sacrifice of military members who have gone before them.

"I want veterans to be shown an appreciation and respect for their defense of our liberty, as it's a small way for us to thank them. It's also a way for the local community to see a patriotic and respectful military presence on campus -- specifically, K-State Air Force ROTC."

Active, retired or separated veterans with a serviceable service dress uniform or equivalent interested in participating may be included in the rotation. For more information, call 785-532-6600.

Additional Veterans Day events include a parade on Poyntz Avenue coordinated and organized by K-State's Army ROTC. The Air Force ROTC Wildcat Warrior Cadet Wing, Army ROTC Wildcat Battalion and other U.S. military units will march in the parade.