Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) is proud to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans through a series of events surrounding Veterans Day. From heartfelt tributes to community drives and appreciation gatherings, PVCC invites students, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community to participate and show support for all who have served.
To kick off the Veterans Day observances, PVCC’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) will proudly set up a Field of Flags in the Union Hills campus’ Cordova Plaza, located at 18401 N. 32nd St. in Phoenix. Beginning at 9 a.m. on November 3, the display will feature hundreds of American flags planted in tribute to the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The flags will remain on display through November 14, serving as a powerful symbol of gratitude and remembrance for our veteran community.
“This annual display is one of the most meaningful traditions on our campus,” said Christina Calderon, who oversees PVCC’s Veterans Services Office. “It serves as a visible reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and commitment of those who have served, and of our college’s ongoing dedication to supporting them every day of the year.”
Additional events include:
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Veterans Appreciation Card Signing, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Nov. 5, Cordova Plaza
Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to stop by PVCC’s Veterans Appreciation Card Signing event. Grab a donut and a cup of coffee at the pop-up tent while you take a moment to write a personal message of thanks to our PVCC veterans. All signed cards will be mailed to student veterans before Veterans Day on November 11.
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MRE Sampling Event, 9 am – 11am, Nov. 10, Cordova Plaza
Students, staff, and faculty are encouraged to stop by PVCC’s Veterans Appreciation Meal, Ready to Eat (MRE) Sampling event. Have you ever wondered what it's like to eat like a service member? Now’s your chance to try an MRE, the standard field ration for active duty military personnel. MREs are self-heating, full-course meals that include entrées, sides, snacks, drink mixes, and sometimes even dessert. It’s a hands-on way to gain insight into the daily lives of those who serve. Stop by, taste an MRE, and walk away with a new appreciation for our service members!
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MVET Challenge Annual Food & Hygiene Drive, Nov. 10 – December 12, Veterans Lounge, K-108
PVCC is once again participating in the Maricopa Veterans Education Taskforce (MVET) Challenge, an annual competition among all Maricopa Community Colleges to collect the most non-perishable food and hygiene items for veterans in need. Donations can be dropped off at the Veterans Lounge in building K-108 from November 10 through December 12. All contributions support local veterans and their families.
PVCC has proudly held the Jolly Roger flag – the symbol of the Challenge champion – for two consecutive years but was narrowly defeated by Phoenix College last year.
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Veterans Appreciation Barbecue, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m., Nov. 13, Cordova Plaza
Students, staff, faculty, and community members are invited to come together in celebration and gratitude for our veterans at the Veterans Appreciation Barbecue. Enjoy great food, camaraderie, and a shared spirit of appreciation for those who have served our nation. The event is free and open to the public.
PVCC's Veterans Services Office is dedicated to supporting veterans as they navigate their academic journeys. Acting as a liaison between PVCC and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the VSO ensures veterans receive the support they need to access their GI Bill® education benefits. Our goal is to help veterans achieve their personal and academic aspirations by connecting them with resources, services, and a supportive community.
Earlier this semester, PVCC’s Veterans Services Office (VSO) also hosted VA Debt Workshops, addressing one of the most common barriers veterans face in higher education – VA debt due to educational benefits. As the number one reason veterans do not return to college, these workshops help students understand their benefits, avoid debt, and stay on track toward earning their degree.
PVCC’s VSO is located in K108 on the Union Hills campus. To learn more about PVCC and veterans services, visit the website, email [email protected] or call 602-787-7045.