Events
Special Ceremony Salutes Veterans
RALEIGH, N.C. (November 6, 2025) – Wake Tech students, faculty and staff gathered Thursday in the Southern Wake Campus courtyard for a heartfelt "Salute to Service" ceremony, honoring the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. armed forces.
The Wake Tech Honor Guard opened the event with a presentation of the colors, followed by a performance of Taps and a moment of silence in honor of fallen heroes.
Retired Air Force Col. Jerome Williams, who has more than 30 years of experience in national security, and leadership, was the guest speaker. A passionate advocate for underserved veterans and their families, Williams urged the community to uplift veteran students.
"Continue to support your veteran students on a path to excellence," he said. "Educate and empower them to recognize their worth and develop the skills needed for success in civilian life."
Dr. Nicole Reaves, Wake Tech's executive vice president and chief programs officer, also addressed the crowd, recognizing students, staff and community members with military service.
"Veterans Day is not simply a date on the calendar — it's a living commitment," she said. "Service doesn't end when the uniform comes off. Veterans enrich our classrooms, workplaces and neighborhoods. Their leadership, resilience and sense of duty inspire us all to do better."
Throughout the week, Wake Tech celebrated veterans and their families with a series of activities. Military & Veterans Services distributed free donuts and boxed lunches, while veterans received complimentary T-shirts and salon gift certificates.
Wake Tech is a Military Friendly® Gold Award institution, a designation earned for services and programs the college offers veterans and their family members pursuing education, training and professional development. Wake Tech serves more than 1,000 active duty and veteran students each year.
Learn more about special programs and resources for veterans at Wake Tech.
