ROTC to celebrate Veteran’s Day

The military lifestyle might seem far removed from Chapel Hill, but several UNC students are rallying the local troops to honor veterans of the American military.

Since WWI fighting ended 95 years ago, American citizens have celebrated Nov. 11 — but the day has honored veterans exclusively for the past 59 years.

The Army, Navy and Air Force branches of UNC’s ROTC program bring a speaker to campus for Veteran’s Day every year.

This year, ROTC’s Army branch is hosting Brigadier General John Hort, a UNC alumnus who has served 30 years in the military.

Seniors Cliff Swanson and Brittany Buxton, who coordinated the speech, reached out to local veterans and prominent community members to include a wide range of people.

“I think it’s really important for a tribute so we don’t forget what they’ve done,” Swanson said.

All ROTC graduates are placed into their respective fields as commissioned officers.

Buxton, an exercise and sports science major, said she plans on continuing her education after UNC so she can become a physical therapist and work with the Wounded Warrior Project.

She said University officials have done a great job raising military awareness and promoting a positive image, saying the family reunion at the homecoming football game was a great example.

“The soldier came home and his family was surprised — it was breathtaking,” she said.

“It’s hard but at the same time it’s very rewarding.”

UNC student Markus Von Stolz enlisted in the military as a combat medic in 2003.

After serving for nine years, he returned to the United States to further his military ambitions.

“It really opened my eyes to other cultures and other ways of life,” he said. “I want to do something in life — that’s why I want to go in as a military officer, that’s where you really get to make a difference.”

Von Stolz said he will join the ranks again as a psychological operations officer, one who helps assimilate the military agenda with the culture of the country where the base is located.

He said the bonds shared by those who are in life and death situations together cannot be rivaled — and that these relationships are the best thing he’s ever experienced.

“The second best thing and the thing I miss every once in a while is jumping out of planes,” he said.

And while he won’t be able to attend the speech tomorrow because of class, Von Stolz said he will take a moment to honor all those — including his personal friends — who have made what he called the ultimate sacrifice for the United States of America.

“I just love this country,” he said. “We’ve got our problems, nothing’s perfect, but America’s the best country.”

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