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Honoring the Service and Sacrifice of Veterans
Retired U.S. Navy Captain Brian Becker delivered remarks during a special ceremony
University News | November 12, 2025
The campus community at Virginia Wesleyan gathered to honor veterans on November 11. Master of Ceremonies Garret Wood, assistant professor of economics and veteran of the United States Navy, opened Virginia Wesleyan’s Veterans Day Ceremony in the new location of the University’s Veterans Memorial Monument at Godwin Hall. Chad McGill, Symphoncity trumpeter and retired Army musi
cian played “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and the invocation was delivered by Director of Campus Ministries Marie Porter.
President Scott D. Miller welcomed guests and in recognizing the service of veterans and their families, quoted Ronald Reagan. “On Veterans Day, we take respite from the ordinary business of daily life to pay honor to those who have served … It is right that we should meditate upon the principles for which so many Americans have fought — peace, freedom, the sacred and inviolable dignity of all men - principles that still give hope to the Nation.”
President Miller introduced the featured speaker, Captain (Retired) Brian Becker, United States Navy. Becker was instrumental in bringing VWU into the Hampton Roads Naval ROTC Consortium as a cross-town partner with Old Dominion University. He currently serves as the Director of the NROTC Preparatory Program at VWU. He is also a Lead Associate and Defense Mission Expert at Booz Allen Hamilton.
A former TOPGUN Training Officer and Commander of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, Becker is no stranger to heroic stories of service and sacrifice. He reminded attendees that veterans, as well as active-duty service members and family members, serve in so many ways; even outside of their service in the military. Veterans are courteous, respectful, and helpful citizens and neighbors. They inspire others to be their best and invest in their communities.
After Becker’s remarks, McGill played “Taps” to honor those we have lost. Marie Porter offered a prayer of Thanksgiving, and McGill played “Amazing Grace.”
Learn more about the Navy ROTC program and Veterans Support Services at Virginia Wesleyan University.