‘Bent Compass’ presentation highlights Veterans Week events at UW-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI – The Veteran Services department at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay will hold a full week of events for active duty, reservists, Veterans, and the spouses and children of veterans beginning Monday, November 7th.  All events are open to the public and the community is encouraged to attend.

Following the Chancellor’s reception on November 9th a presentation of ‘Bent Compass’ will follow, sponsored by the Weidner.  ‘Bent Compass’ is a 45-minute program, no intermission, based on transcribed interviews with a soldier about his deployment as an Army Medic in Iraq in 2006 – 2007.

The full week of events is as follows:

Monday November 7th at 11 a.m.

Veteran POW/MIA Table – Leona Cloud Commons, University Union Cafeteria

Lance Corporal Nick Geiger will lead the ceremony to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those Americans who have been prisoners of war and to remind the nation of those who are still missing in action.

It involves a table, usually set off to the side, with a single chair. The table is set with a white tablecloth, a single candle, a book of faith (optional), an inverted glass, and a single red rose in a vase, around which is tied a red or yellow ribbon. Set at the table is a plate containing a slice of lemon and a small amount of salt.

There is nothing more poignant than witnessing the empty chair sitting at a POW/MIA table with incredible significance for every displayed feature of this ritual. There have been many different narratives written for the ceremony, but the symbolism is quite constant. Witnessing the ceremony that accompanies this memorable event brings more than just a single emotion. Please join us in remembrance.

Tuesday, November 8th from 9 – 11 a.m.

Veteran Employment Workshop – 1965 Room, University Union, UW-Green Bay Campus

Employment is an important issue for Veterans. Helping Veterans find and obtain employment, as well as advance their civilian careers is a high priority. Veteran Services has collaborated with Garske’s Veteran Services and The Office of Veteran Employment Services to provide veterans with the necessary tools and resources needed to be successful.

Wednesday, November 9 from 4 to 6 p.m.

17th Annual Chancellor’s Reception – Weidner Center Foyer, UW-Green Bay Campus, with presentation of ‘Bent Compass’ beginning at 6 p.m.

4-4:45 p.m. Reception: hors d’oeuvres, open bar and vendors.

4:45-5:45 p.m. Program: honor/recognize new military students, graduating military students and donors/recipients of Veteran scholarships.

6 p.m. ‘Bent Compass’ is a 45-minute program, no intermission, based on real events and transcribed interviews. ‘Bent Compass explores the transformation of U.S. Army medic, Colin, from fresh recruit to seasoned war veteran during is deployment as an Army Medic in Iraq in 2006 – 07.

Please join us at the Weidner Center Foyer, as Chancellor Mike Alexander and Veteran Services Coordinator Nicole Stockman take the opportunity to recognize current students who are active duty, reserves, Veterans or the spouse or child of a Veteran.  The late-afternoon event includes a Presentation of Colors by the UW-Green Bay ROTC Color Guard, the “National Anthem” and “Armed Forces Salute” performed by UW-Green Bay’s music. UW-Green Bay alumnus and former Naval Officer Lieutenant Commander Matt Vanden Avond will speak and Vets 4 Vets President Jason Lackowski, will emcee the event.  Captain John Kornesczuk, Senior Military Science Instructor, who oversees UW-Green Bay Army ROTC, will perform the POW/MIA ceremony to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those Americans who have been prisoners of war and to remind the Nation of those still missing in action. New military students and fall 2022 graduating military students as well as current donors and recipients of veteran scholarships will be recognized.

Thursday, November 10th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Veterans Brunch – 227 Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, Veterans Lounge UW-Green Bay Campus

We invite you to join us for a free breakfast, in recognition of the Phoenix who have served our country.  All are welcome to stop by for a hot breakfast, pastries, coffee and more.  The gathering will also have great resources available to our service members, such as our County Veterans Officer, Accessibility and Health and Wellness providers, along with community employers from the area.

Friday, November 11th

Veteran/Pride Center Table

All day outside of our Pride Center in the University Union, Room 153.  Visit the Pride Veteran/Pride Center table to hear stories shared by the LGBTQ community who also served in the military.  Our goal as a university is to support academic and personal growth and offer a safe, supportive and welcoming environment at the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay.

For any additional information, please contact Nicole Stockman, Veterans Services Coordinator at 920-465-2056 or stockman@uwgb.edu.

UW-Green Bay Veteran’s Services is here to help veterans and their families thrive at college and get the benefits gained from service. About 1300 veterans and dependents of veterans receive education benefits at UW-Green Bay each year. Of this number, 377 are military veterans or current service members and 933 students are the spouse or child of a Veteran. Some of these students are on active duty one week, and in the classroom the next. This is just one reason the transition from military service to the community can be very unsettling. UW-Green Bay’s Veteran’s Services is here to help.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

About UW-Green Bay

Established in 1965, UW-Green Bay is a public institution serving more than 9,800 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students and 95,000 continuing education learners each year. We educate students from pre- college through retirement and offer 200+ degrees, programs and certificates. UW-Green Bay graduates are resilient, inclusive, sustaining and engaged members of their communities, ready to rise to fearlessly face challenges, solve problems and embrace diverse ideas and people. With four campus locations, the University welcomes students from every corner of the world. In 2021, UW-Green Bay was the fastest-growing UW school in Wisconsin. For more information, visit www.uwgb.edu.

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