# ASU hosts 'welcome home' tribute for Vietnam veterans during Salute to Service

### Event to bring campus, local community together for remembrance, recognition and Homecoming celebration

By Jerry Gonzalez, ASU News
November 3, 2025

Arizona State University will pay special tribute to Vietnam veterans and their families during this year’s Salute to Service, taking place Nov. 7–16.

In addition to honoring all who have served in the military and their communities, ASU is commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War with a “welcome home” for its veterans.

Over a dozen events are scheduled across ASU’s Phoenix metro campuses, including the Salute to Service football game against West Virginia, which will also be the Sun Devil’s Homecoming game.

“Salute to Service coinciding with Homecoming makes this year’s celebration extra special,” said Michelle Loposky, Salute to Service committee chair and strategic partnerships director with the Pat Tillman Veterans Center. “It’s truly a blend of the two, a homecoming for our Sun Devil family and for our Vietnam veterans.”

Welcoming home Vietnam veterans is a great idea and long overdue, said alum Andy Gilb, who served on active duty as an Army officer after completing ROTC at ASU and graduating in 1973.

“Although I never did a tour in Vietnam, most of the non-commissioned officers I served with had done multiple tours,” Gilb said. “I greatly respected them for their sacrifices and strong leadership.

“ASU recognizing Vietnam veterans, or any veterans, is outstanding. It’s the right thing to do. Those veterans did their job, served their time, and to have that remembrance in their honor is impressive.”

ASU is home to over 20,000 military-connected learners, including veterans, active duty members, Guard, reservists and military family members. The Pat Tillman Veterans Center helps military students transition to academic life, while offering programs and opportunities to grow and prepare for life after graduation.

Throughout Salute to Service, ASU will host a wide range of events recognizing military service and community impact, from panel discussions, book talks and film screenings to health exhibits, concerts and family activities. Students, faculty, alumni and the public are invited to participate in experiences that highlight service and honor those who have served the nation and their communities.

Find a complete list of all planned events and more information on the Salute to Service homepage.

#### Key events include

Veteran Vision Program Reunion Luncheon for Vietnam Veterans
When: 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7.
Where: ASU Kerr Cultural Center, 6110 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale.
Summary: A reunion luncheon honoring Vietnam-era veterans who participated in ASU’s Veteran Vision Project. Attendees will share stories, reflect on service and celebrate the project’s legacy. The Veteran Vision Project paired portraits of veterans in uniform with poses reflecting their post-military lives.
Cost: Free.

MVP Phoenix “42 Challenge” Community Workout
When: 9:30–11 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 9 (check-in at 9 a.m.).
Where: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe campus.
Summary: A community fitness event in partnership with Merging Vets & Players, bringing together ASU athletes, veterans and the public in a strength and resilience-based workout themed around Pat Tillman’s legacy and iconic jersey number 42.
Cost: Free.

Vietnam Veteran Pinning Ceremony Breakfast and Volunteer Opportunity
When: 8–10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11.
Where: NPHX Church, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix.
Summary: The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services in partnership with ASU will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War by recognizing Vietnam vets. Student veteran volunteers are needed to assist with various aspects of the pinning ceremony.
Cost: Free.

Brandon Caserta Foundation and Pat Tillman Veterans Center Lantern Walk
When: 5:15–7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Where: Palo Verde Beach, Tempe campus.
Summary: Participate in a walk to raise suicide awareness and honor those we’ve lost, including service members remembered through The Brandon Act — legislation inspired by Navy sailor Brandon Caserta. Participants will receive a personalized lantern to keep. As a tribute, walkers can submit photos, names and dates of those lost to suicide.
Cost: $25-$30.

Salute to Service Health Expo
When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13.
Where: Health North Courtyard, Downtown Phoenix campus.
Summary: A community fair showcasing veteran-owned businesses, veteran-serving organizations, wellness resources and services. Attendees may engage with groups such as Vets & Pets Yoga, Motorcycle Relief Project and others.
Cost: Free.

Screening: “In Waves and War”
When: 6:30–9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13.
Where: ASU MIX Center, 50 N. Centennial Way, Mesa.
Summary: A film screening of the documentary “In Waves and War,” which explores a Navy SEAL’s struggle with PTSD and his and his wife’s journey toward healing with psychedelic therapy. The event will include a post-screening panel discussion with special guests.
Cost: Free.

Future Visions in the Military: Science, Tech and Imagination Panel Discussion
When: 3–4:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13.
Where: ISTB12, Polytechnic campus, Mesa.
Summary: Join a dynamic panel discussion on how science, technology and innovation have shaped military history and practice — from vehicle and helicopter development to advances in military medicine. Presented by ASU’s applied humanities and interdisciplinary studies group and the Office for Veterans and Military Academic Engagement.
Cost: Free.

ASU Book Group: "Roadside" by Dylan Park-Pettiford
When: Noon–1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13.
Where: Hayden Library, Luhrs Reading Room (LIB 101), Tempe campus (and online) .
Summary: The ASU Book Group will read "Roadside: My Journey to Iraq and the Long Road Home" by ASU alum Dylan Park-Pettiford. The session, open to all, invites discussion of war, loss and the veteran experience.
Cost: Free.

ASU vs. West Virginia — Salute to Service Football Game
When: Saturday, Nov. 15, time TBD .
Where: Mountain America Stadium, Tempe campus.
Summary: The Sun Devils will honor veterans, first responders, frontline workers and their families during the game. Selected individuals who exemplify “service before self” will be recognized throughout the event.
Cost: Ticket required (prices vary).

Sparky’s Touchdown Tailgate: Homecoming and Salute to Service
When: Saturday, Nov. 15 (tailgate begins approximately two and a half hours before kickoff).
Where: College Avenue and Sixth Street, Tempe.
Summary: A family-friendly pregame celebration featuring live entertainment, food trucks, games and activities, along with tributes to service members and their families.
Cost: Free and open to the public.

Dean’s Cup Flag Football Tournament
When: 9 a.m.–2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.
Where: ASU Recreation and Sports Fields, 510 S. Dorsey Lane, Tempe.
Summary: Watch this year’s flag football showdown, where four teams will go head to head to win the coveted Dean’s Cup. Reigning champion Army ROTC Sun Devil Battalion will defend against the Pat Tillman Veterans Center student vets, the Air Force ROTC Det 25 Flying Devils and the Navy ROTC fighting midshipmen.
Cost: Free.

Salute to Service Concert — ASU Philharmonia and Maroon & Gold Band
When: 7:30–9 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Where: ASU Gammage, Tempe campus.
Summary: A musical tribute honoring those who serve, featuring the ASU Philharmonia, the Maroon & Gold Band, and members of the ASU Symphony Orchestra. The program includes works such as Elegy for the USS Arizona, The Liberty Bell, and other patriotic and evocative selections.
Cost: $15 general admission (ticketed).

This story originally appeared on ASU News.