University of Phoenix has recognized Memorial Day with its annual flag-planting event, which honors those who have died while serving the U.S. Armed Forces. Volunteers made up of employees from the University and members of the local community came together at the Phoenix campus in Arizona on May 24, 2022 to plant over 10,000 flags. The final placement of the flags spelled out “Because of the Brave” in giant letters.
A Day of Reflection at the University’s Phoenix Campus
Eric Ryan, senior director of military operations in the Office of Military and Veteran Affairs and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps., led a moving ceremony after the flag planting had taken place. The ceremony featured performances of the U.S. National Anthem and “Taps,” a Color Guard presentation. The ceremony also featured guest speakers including Tammy Pulaski of American Gold Star Mothers, Kathy Pearce of Arizona Heroes to Hometowns (AZH2H) and Wendy Shackley of The Ripple Effect and American Gold Star Mothers.
Ryan remarked on the importance of Memorial Day, noting that this day allows the country to take pause and recognize the sacrifices of U.S. service members. He said: “University of Phoenix is honored to provide this important community event recognizing and upholding the service and sacrifices of fallen service members and their families. Through this event, we are able to participate in a visual ritual of recognition and healing. We honor the service of our own veteran team members and students and alumni and the sacrifices they have witnessed and still bear every day.”
Pearce of AZH2H remarked: “Arizona Heroes to Hometowns helps wounded heroes and their families socially, physically, spiritually, and financially to find their new normal and ensure our wounded heroes achieve success in their continuous transition back to their hometowns. We have been involved with the flag tribute at the university from its inception. Each year, flags have been given to the national cemeteries along with many small cemeteries in Arizona that honor those that have served this great country.”
On May 27, AZH2H, a nonprofit organization that supports wounded service members who can no longer serve in the military, collected and distributed the flags to local military cemeteries to coincide with Memorial Day.
University of Phoenix’s Hawaii Campus Efforts
Employees from the University’s Hawaii campus also volunteered to participate in a flag-planting ceremony for Memorial Day. This ceremony took place at the Kaneohe Veteran Memorial and Cemetery in the Columbarium.
Education Programs to Support Military Members’ Learning
In addition to marking Memorial Day with its annual flag-planting event, University of Phoenix also provides support to members of the military by offering flexible, online education programs year-round.
Whether individuals are looking to enhance their military roles or transition to civilian careers, the University offers career-focused programs that can help members of the military reach their educational goals. Program staff are specially trained to support service members, veterans and military spouses and their dependents with the flexibility required.
The University also offers a credit for military service initiative, which enables military members to earn college credit for military training and national testing programs, allowing these students to complete an undergraduate degree sooner. Each of the military services has methods for documenting military training that the American Council on Education (ACE) has evaluated for college credit. Military members may be able to apply this credit to their undergraduate degree program at University of Phoenix.
For many reasons, military members may find themselves having to transition from military life into civilian life. This can be a difficult transition, and some individuals feel a loss of direction. Education can be a good option to help former service members navigate a new direction in their life, perhaps setting them on a career path they may not have thought was accessible to them.
University of Phoenix is dedicated to its role in supporting military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their duty and seek the University’s flexible educational offerings to support overall learning.
Learn how a University of Phoenix education can help with a transition out of the military.
About University of Phoenix
University of Phoenix is committed to advancing the educational goals of adult and nontraditional learners and to supporting students as they choose the career options and degree programs that best suit their interests. The University’s degree programs are aligned with a number of in-demand career paths including in cybersecurity, nursing and business, and they provide flexible start dates, online classes and many scholarship opportunities to make it possible for all to earn the degree they need.
In addition, University of Phoenix’s Career Services for Life® commitment to active students and graduates offers access to the resources needed to be prepared when entering the workforce for no additional charge. These services include resume and interview support, education and networking opportunities and career guidance. For more information, visit www.phoenix.edu.
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