Alabama student veterans lay wreath at Tomb of Unknown Soldier in D.C.

Four University of Alabama students got an opportunity to participate in a special moment at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C. last month.

The students laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, marking the first time any current UA student participated in the ritual honoring unidentified U.S. military members who died while serving. The students included:

• Drew Bair, Marine Corps veteran
• Blake Schickel, Army veteran
• Cody Copper, UA Student Veterans Association
• Jordan Golden, UA Student Veterans Association

“This was my first time going to Washington, D.C. To get to do that on my first visit, it’s hard to wrap my mind around it. It’s an emotional and powerful moment.”

Drew Bair, vice president of the UA Student Veterans Association

The honor concluded a week of impactful experiences as part of Washington Week hosted by Student Veterans of America.

A week in the nation’s capital

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Copper, treasurer of the UA Student Veterans Association, was once stationed in D.C. + came up with the idea to participate in a ceremony.

“The wreath-laying ceremony for me was very surreal. We try to build on a foundation for UA’s student veterans and to advocate for them. So, to end a week of impactful events with laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it’s hard to put into words.”

Jordan Golden, the public affairs officer for the UA Student Veterans Association

The wreath-laying was just one part of the D.C. trip, which also included meeting with national officials and delegates from Alabama.

Blake Schickel, UA SVA president, said his experience made him feel like student veterans have a voice.

Bair added, “You feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. We call it second service – finding your purpose after service.”

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