Honoring Those Who Serve: A Veterans Day Reflection

Veterans Day gives us an opportunity to pause and recognize the men and women who have served our country. It is a day to express our gratitude for their dedication, reflect on the sacrifices made by them and their families, and acknowledge the lasting impact of their service.

We have the privilege of recognizing individuals whose service and leadership exemplify the very best of the military community. This year, I'm proud to introduce General Darren W. McDew, USAF (Ret.), as the 2026 Solider-Citizen Award recipient. Our Center for Miliary and Veterans Affairs recently sat down with him for an interview exploring his remarkable career and the experiences that have shaped his continued commitment to serving others. His story offers a valuable reminder of the impact one person can make through a lifetime of dedication to others.

Over more than 36 years in the Air Force, General McDew served in some of our nation's most significant military leadership roles, ultimately commanding U.S. Transportation Command and overseeing the global mobility capabilities that support our military and humanitarian efforts around the world.

General McDew’s commitment to service did not end with his military retirement. He has continued to lead through corporate governance, nonprofit service, and community engagement, applying the same dedication to strengthening organizations, supporting veterans and military families, and developing future generations of leaders.  

This is what makes the Solider-Citizen Award so meaningful. It recognizes not only distinguished military service, but also the commitment to carry the values of service, leadership, and responsibility into civilian life. General McDew embodies that commitment.

Military service is an extraordinary commitment. It calls for discipline, courage, resilience, and an unwavering sense of responsibility to something greater than oneself. These qualities do not disappear when someone takes off their uniform. They carry into families, workplaces, communities, and the next chapter of veterans' lives.

As I reflect on Veterans Day, I am reminded that honoring those who have served should extend beyond a single day of recognition. It should mean listening to their stories, recognizing their contributions, and creating opportunities for them to continue making a difference.

Supporting the military community is a core part of our mission. Through the American College Center for Military and Veterans Affairs, we work to expand educational and career opportunities for service members, veterans, and military spouses, helping them translate their experiences and skills into a meaningful future in financial services. In 2026 alone, our Center has awarded 77 scholarships to aspiring transitioners to financial services careers and received a three-year grant from Schwab Charitable to both offer future scholarships to The College’s CFP® Certification Education Program to members of the military community and to build an online networking platform for those scholars.

As we recognize Veterans Day, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all who have served, those who continue to serve, and the families who have stood beside them. Your commitment has helped shape our nation and inspire future generations of leaders.

Gratitude should never be limited to a single day. Let us honor those who have served not only with our words, but through our actions and continued commitment to one another.