On Nov. 11, Seton Hall marked Veterans Day with a morning of reflection, honor and community. Students, faculty and guests gathered in the University Center event room to pay tribute to those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Following the invocation and acknowledgements of veterans within the community, the focus turned to keynote speaker Robin Bartlett, a Vietnam veteran, author and educator, whose life story embodies courage, service and resilience.
Bartlett served as a combat infantry platoon leader during the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1969. Leading 28 to 32 soldiers on helicopter combat assaults along with search and destroy missions, with the famed 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile).
His acclaimed book, “Vietnam Combat: Firefights and Writing History,” documents his experiences. Some torturous, others unexpectedly humorous, to offer readers a clear window into his realities of war.
“[Talking] about my experiences in front of an audience...teaching and informing especially younger people about the war, has helped me to come to grips with my own experiences and share that story,” Bartlett said. “By sharing it, I call it softening the edges of my experience.”
Bartlett says he “exercises his writing muscle” by “capturing the stories of veterans” of various age ranges and gender groups through his Veteran Recognition Program at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California.
“I haven't really written anything since my book,” Bartlett said. “[So] I found this very beneficial to me personally and...I feel like I'm really doing something valuable for veterans from my college...on an individual basis.”
Bartlett, who earned a B.A. in comparative literature from Claremont McKenna College and an M.A. in media from Pace University, spent much of his civilian career in publishing, working in sales, marketing and editorial roles for companies such as Prentice-Hall.
He currently serves as president of the NY/NJ Chapter of the 1st Cavalry Division Association and is a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association. His book has earned multiple distinctions, including awards from the Military Writers Society, the Army Historical Foundation and the Independent Publishers Book Awards for nonfiction-war.
Attendees lined up to meet Bartlett, who signed copies of his book and continued conversations about service, history and the lasting bonds and connections forged in war.
For a cohesive and enjoyable day, this 2nd annual event was in collaborative efforts among the Office of Graduate Affairs, Division of Student Services, Division of University Relations, Counseling and Psychological Services, Division of Advancement, Army ROTC and a host of students.
Graduate student success specialist Christine Yarwood said that the idea originated in the Office of Graduate Affairs, which wanted to support the graduate student veteran community. The office began by reaching out to various campus partners, many of whom had personal experience with veterans through family or friends and were eager to promote relief and support for the community.
“A lot of planning, work and collaboration went into this event, but most importantly, Veterans Day is a chance for our community to pause and recognize the sacrifices that allow us the freedoms we enjoy every day,” Yarwood said.
Among the departments and organizations were students, many of whom are in ROTC, formerly participated in ROTC and served actively, or personal interest in veteran recognition events.
Among the students was freshman Samantha Davilma, who said she was “in ROTC in high school and enjoyed my time in it,” and was glad to see that Seton Hall was paying tribute to veterans through this assembly.
Freshman Nicholas Jiang, who is currently serving under a reserve status, said that this day means a lot to him because it honors those who have served and “those who have given their lives for our country.”
“[It is also] really nice to know that there are people who could help me to deal with paperwork involving military benefits,” Jiang said.
Alejandro Osario is a sophomore and served in the United States Marine Corps from 2021 to 2023. As a veteran, Osario has been inspired to create a student organization for veterans on campus.
“In terms of education, mental, emotional, even financial...some of the things that we really want to do is implement a space where veterans feel welcomed and it's easier to transition not only from military life to civilian life [and] adapting to civilian life now, being a student,” Osario said.
“It's an extra step that some veterans like myself and others decide to take.”
Osario said the organization plans to get started momentarily and will join the national organization, “Student Veterans of America”.
“[The organization] is not only open for veterans or service members, but it's open to family members, friends and just people who support the military community,” Osario said.
The Veterans Day celebration continued throughout the day, with opportunities for attendees to sign a campus banner thanking veterans, dedicate American flags on the University Green and enjoy refreshments in the Event Lounge. The observance concluded with a Veterans Day Mass at noon in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
SHU’s Veterans Day observance once again reflected the university’s enduring commitment to honoring those who have served, not just through ceremony, but through community.
Kassandrah Blake is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. She can be reached at kassandrah.blake@student.shu.edu
