Building Stronger Bonds: How Engaging Veterans' Organizations Can Elevate UNA Army ROTC and Inspire Alumni

By LTC Jason McCann, Chair of the Department of Military Science

The University of North Alabama Army ROTC program has always stood out for its focus on leadership and excellence. However, looking ahead, we see an opportunity to enhance this program. By fostering ties with Veterans organizations, our aim is to reignite in our cadets a commitment to service with our alumni as an example. Our alums who have served in the military or supported those who have shared values and experiences with these organizations deeply rooted in serving others.

We aim to build relationships between UNA Army ROTC and local veteran associations to allow cadets to learn from those before them and welcome back alums to offer their knowledge and guidance. Imagine the significant influence of alums and veterans uniting to guide the officers in training progress together, hand in hand towards excellence and wisdom acquisition our cadets yearn for as they embark on their service journey ahead of them. Through mentoring initiatives, networking occasions, enlightening panel sessions, and casual interactions, these bonds provide a valuable opportunity for cadets to gain firsthand insights from real-life experiences.

Alums—whether recent graduates or those who have been away for years—are crucial in filling those voids and imparting their viewpoints to nurture growth and understanding within the community. This engagement goes beyond backing cadets; it strengthens the ROTC program at UNA and makes it more prominent in the community. When cadets and alums join veterans at community gatherings—be it to pay tribute during Veterans Day observances, take part in community service initiatives, or lend support to veteran initiatives—they highlight the shared values that unite us all; leadership qualities and dedication to serving others.

Alum engagement enhances this influence by providing mentorship support, participating in activities such as events, and fostering collaborations with groups like the American Legion, The Association for the United States Army, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Greater Shoals Military Officer Association of America, Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of Founders and Patriots of America, United States Daughters of 1812, and many others. These connections remind our cadets and the community that they're part of a legacy of leadership and service beyond the campus grounds. These veteran groups acknowledge the leadership and potential for service shown by our cadets and recognized them with awards on April 8th.

Alums can also contribute significantly by using their connections to facilitate internships and job placements or support leadership training initiatives. As caretakers of these leaders in the making, it falls upon us to back the wave of leaders with the same care we once received. By collaborating with groups, we pay tribute to those who have served and strive to uphold the excellence of UNA Army ROTC. Cadets, veterans, alums, and local residents—we can forge a resilient and tightly knit program that embodies our finest qualities. So here's a call to action; get in touch again and join us in creating alliances that will influence the future of UNA Army ROTC. Your participation could truly make an impact.

        LTC Jason McCann