10th annual Tribute to Veterans event honors military service members
UT Southwestern honored its nearly 800 community members who self-identified as veterans at its 10th annual Tribute to Veterans ceremony on Nov. 11. The event celebrated these individuals for their patriotism and willingness to serve our nation.
Shawna Nesbitt, M.D., M.S., Vice President, Chief Institutional Opportunity Officer, and Professor of Internal Medicine, opened the inspiring event.
“Our service members not only protect us, but shape how we see honor, pride, sacrifice, resilience, and what it means to be committed to a cause greater than ourselves,” Dr. Nesbitt said. “We are proud to have you as members of UTSW because you bring that same commitment to our campus community.”
Hosted by the Office for Institutional Opportunity, the event held during National Veterans and Military Families Month in November featured the presentation of the colors by Dr. John D. Horn High School’s Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) Color Guard and a performance of the national anthem by Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s principal trumpet player, Stuart Stephenson.
Veterans were invited to stand and be recognized for their heroic contributions to our country during a recorded playing of the patriotic “Armed Forces Medley,” led by an introduction from the Armed Forces Landing Zone, a student organization at UTSW that bridges the gap between military and civilian communities through education, service, and outreach.
Keynote speaker Jessica Spaniol, J.D., Director and Managing Attorney for General Legal Services at UTSW, spoke about her military experience. She served in the U.S. Army on active duty for five years in various roles, including as military intelligence officer, platoon leader, and battle captain in the First Infantry Division. She shared that the most important takeaway from her time in service was understanding how to adapt and overcome challenges.
During Mrs. Spaniol’s address, she detailed attending the U.S. Army Airborne School and the difficulties she faced in passing the necessary requirements to graduate. She discovered self-assurance, commitment, and perseverance play pivotal roles in prevailing through tough times.
“Having and portraying self-confidence are key in adapting to challenging environments and overcoming obstacles that stand between you and your goals,” she said. “Life lessons are learned through grit and determination. Take one step at a time and continue moving forward; there can be beautiful blessings buried in challenging times if you look hard enough.”
At the conclusion of her speech, Mrs. Spaniol was honored with a challenge coin from the UT Southwestern Veterans Alliance Business Resource Group (BRG) to honor her as keynote speaker. For over a century, challenge coins have served as a historic military tradition that acknowledges an individual’s achievement, dedication, and exemplary service.
The Veterans Alliance BRG promotes military and veterans’ support from all military branches for the UTSW community, creating a positive and inclusive environment through increased learning, employee development, and engagement.