This November, Full Sail University hosted two special events on campus to recognize and celebrate veteran and military-connected students and their families.

On November 3, Full Sail's Military Student Success Center hosted the second annual Run, Ruck, or Walk 5K. This event began and ended in front of the Full Sail Live venue. More than 70 registrants among Full Sail faculty, staff, and students took part. All finishers received a military dog tag, and medals were presented to the top three finishers in the run, walk, and ruck categories. Refreshments were provided to participants after the race.

Runners compete in Full Sail’s second annual Run, Ruck, or Walk 5K.

“We have a sprawling campus, and it’s not only a good place to get physical activity, but it also exposes students to places they’ve never really seen on campus,” said Aaron Hall, Director of Military Student Success at Full Sail, as to why his team started this event last year. “[Plus], people can participate by walking, running, or rucking… whatever they’re comfortable doing. It offers an option for everyone.”

Run, Ruck, or Walk 5K winners receive medals after the race.

Another event was the Student Veteran Thanksgiving Dinner. Open to all military-connected Full Sail students and their families, the event took place on the evening of Tuesday, November 14 in the Full Sail Live venue.

“Many of our students aren’t from Florida, so they are away from their families on Thanksgiving,” Aaron said of the inspiration behind this gathering.

Full Sail Chief of Staff Vernon Rainwater speaks at the Student Veteran Thanksgiving Dinner.

Now in its 13th year, the dinner welcomed more than 100 student veterans and their families. Food was provided by MISSION BBQ. Vernon Rainwater, Full Sail’s Chief of Staff and an Army veteran, spoke to the attendees about why he is thankful for his military service. The gathering also offered raffle prizes and a sing-off of each branch’s song.

Students received raffle prizes after the Thanksgiving dinner.

According to Aaron, Full Sail currently has about 3,700 military-connected students enrolled, many of whom are veterans.

The Full Sail University veteran community gathered at the 5K.

“To me, it’s a [time] when we honor our vets and those currently serving,” said Aaron, an Air Force veteran himself. “I really appreciate them for what they have done, especially considering we’re in an all-volunteer force.”