Cadet commanders observe 9-11 with community service

In honor of the 10th anniversary of 9-11, Citadel cadets volunteered at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011.

Company and battalion commanders volunteered at the Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center where they had lunch, attended a concert and socialized with veterans who are patients there.

Cadet company and battalion commanders met with veteran patients and delivered lunches and flags to the patients.

“The purpose of our service on 9-11 is to show our appreciation to those who have given their life to protect our freedom as Americans,” said Regimental Commander Cadet Col. Matthew Collier.

Conway Saylor, psychology professor and service learning coordinator at The Citadel, observed the cadets throughout the day. Service learning at The Citadel is spearheaded by the Krause Center for Leadership and Ethics.

“It moved me that the senior leaders of the Corps of Cadets initiated this service project and wanted to lead by their own example before asking that other cadets serve in the community.”

Sept. 11, 2011 also marked the beginning of a Corps-wide supply drive for the nationally recognized VA “Operation Stand Down” project. The project provides outreach, information and services to veterans and others throughout the Charleston community. Cadets will be collecting personal items for that will be distributed in late October at Charleston’s Operation Stand Down community event.

Donations are being collected in all of the cadet battalions.