Carey Hosts Military Appreciation Day
William Carey University honored active duty service members and veterans during Military Appreciation Day sponsored by the School of Business Leadership Institute on April 11.
Approximately 60 area veterans, including a large group from the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, attended the event, which was held between games of a baseball doubleheader versus Martin Methodist College. The honorees and their families received free admission to both games and were served lunch catered by Newk's Eatery, Raising Cane's and Coca-Cola.
During the day's events, retired Army Maj. Gen. Jeff Hammond, director of veteran and military student services at the University of Southern Mississippi, led an opening prayer while retired Army Maj. Gens. Walter Yates and Dewitt Irby Jr. tossed opening pitches. Students from the Winters School of Music and Ministry led a special a cappella version of The Star-Spangled Banner. The Crusaders won both games against the Martin Methodist Redhawks, one of their rivals in Southern States Athletic Conference play.
The annual Military Appreciation Day is now in its second year as a program of the Leadership Institute, which seeks to develop leadership skills of elite Carey business students through professional and community activities. Selection for the Institute is based on academic standing, involvement in university activities, community service, character and demonstration of professional behavior.