Stony Brook University held its annual Veterans Day ceremony on November 12 in the Sidney Gelber Auditorium, bringing together students, faculty, staff, community members and veterans. The event was organized by the Office of Military and Veteran Student Services and included both traditional elements and personal stories from those with military experience.
The ceremony began with performances by the Spirit of Stony Brook Marching Band and a presentation of colors by the ROTC Culper Battalion. Staff Sgt. (Ret.) Jennifer Castle ‘09 sang the national anthem.
Max Langenbacher ‘26, a Marine Corps veteran and social work student who served as master of ceremonies, spoke about his decision to enlist and his experiences at Marine Corps training in Parris Island, South Carolina. “The second I stepped onto the yellow footprints,” he said, “I thought, ‘What am I doing here?’” He went on to describe how friendships formed during service helped him through challenging times: “An emo rocker from Boston, a Cuban boxer from Jacksonville and a Bolivian devout Catholic from Queens. We formed a motley crew.” He added that these relationships remain strong today.
Marianna Savoca, associate vice president for career readiness and experiential education, delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of the university. She connected her family’s military background to values such as duty, selfless service, loyalty, honor, integrity and personal courage. Savoca also acknowledged staff and volunteers who support military-affiliated students year-round. She stated their efforts are grounded in “respect for the sacrifices veterans and their families make.”
Annabelle Rumfelt, age nine and daughter of Jane York—who served in the Navy and is now coordinator of military and veteran student services at Stony Brook—spoke about her experiences growing up in a military household. She listed nine things she appreciates about her upbringing including community support. One tradition she enjoys is “decorating the veterans lounge every year,” which helps connect her with other service members’ families. Rumfelt concluded by thanking “our veterans, and our military families, especially the military kids like me!”
Second Lt. Pamela Chen ‘28 provided another perspective on service informed by her own background as both an enlisted soldier and current medical student at Stony Brook. She described growing up in foster care: “During times like this, it was easy to feel invisible, to feel like a burden to someone else… but as all hope was lost, the foster care system was there to save us.” Chen said government support gave her confidence: “The government services that so many debate and discuss… were tangible. A promise from this country that said ‘You will not fall through the cracks; you matter.’”
Chen credited mentors such as Sharon Cuff for supporting her academic journey: “I would like to contribute my success in securing a seat at Stony Brook’s medical school to her.” Speaking about enlisting in the military she said: “For me enlisting wasn’t just a career choice. It was an opportunity to be part of something greater than myself.” On overcoming adversity she noted: “We always have a choice.”
A highlight of the ceremony was Army veteran Vincent Mogavero ’26 presenting the POW/MIA Table ritual honoring prisoners of war or those missing in action. He explained symbols such as an empty chair for those missing or lost; a red rose representing love; and a lemon slice signifying loss: “This table serves as a profound reminder of the personal sacrifices that temper the sweetness of enduring peace,” Mogavero said.
Stony Brook University has more than 200 students affiliated with military service—including veterans, active-duty personnel and dependents—and this event recognized their varied backgrounds while emphasizing shared commitment beyond active duty.
