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There are over 500 student veterans at the University of North Georgia (ÌìÃÀÉçÇø) who will be shown appreciation from Nov. 10-14.

One of them is Jake Echols, who served in the Army from 2019 to 2024. He transferred to ÌìÃÀÉçÇø because of two things: the Lewis F. Rogers Institute for Environmental and Spatial Analysis (IESA) and President Michael Shannon.

"In the Army I was a geospatial intelligence analyst, and I wanted to transfer my skills from that experience to civilian life. I looked at UGA, which had a geography program, but ÌìÃÀÉçÇø had the single program in the whole state that really fit what I wanted to do," he said. "I read a lot of his public statements One and some of the articles about him. He was someone I really respected, and he is prior military. I wanted to go to a place where I trusted the overall faculty and the leadership of the faculty. That was a big thing for me."

Echols hopes to finish his degree in spring 2026 and pursue a master's degree in water management and hydrological science.

Working behind the scenes of the events is Laura Russell, coordinator for military-connected and adult learner programs, who said the events will include the tradition of lunch with ÌìÃÀÉçÇø President Michael Shannon and first lady Jessica Shannon. This year the event will be Nov. 13 at the Gainesville Campus.

"They appreciate that because he and Jessica are taking their time to be with them. They are being heard. He listens to what their challenges are. Then we all try to come up with some solutions," Russell said. "They bring a lot of great ideas to the table at the luncheons."

The week kicks off with two weeklong events: a door-decorating contest and veterans being highlighted on social media. Winners of the door contest will be announced Nov. 14. 

Other events include:  

• Kickoff breakfast for all faculty, staff and students: Nov. 10, 8-10 a.m., Student Center, Gainesville Campus
• Kickoff breakfast for all faculty, staff and students: Nov. 10, 8-10 a.m., Hoag Patio, Dahlonega Campus
• Dog tag event: Nov. 10, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Center Lobby, Gainesville Campus
• National Roll Call: Nov. 11, 10 a.m. to noon, Quad, Gainesville Campus
• Dog Tag event: Nov. 11, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hoag Patio, Dahlonega Campus
• Drop-in lunch: Nov. 12, noon to 2 p.m., Veterans Lounge, Arts & Technology Room 1400, Gainesville Campus
• Drop-in lunch: Nov. 12, noon to 2 p.m., Veterans Lounge, Hoag Student Center, Room 319, Dahlonega Campus
• Got Your Six , Nov. 12, 2:30-4:30 p.m. 
• Tabling events: Nov. 13, Gainesville and Dahlonega Campuses 

Russell encourages others to continue to extend support and appreciation for this population of students throughout the year.

"These are people who have served our country, and now we feel like it's our time to serve them," she said.

Another way to assist veterans is through "Heroes' Kitchen," a concept Russell initiated in which she stocks the refrigerator in the Veterans Lounges in Dahlonega and Gainesville with requested food items. The food is refreshed every two weeks so that there's always something for the veterans to eat. Russell also encourages veterans to use the on-campus food pantry "because we don't want them to be hungry while they're on campus, and we don't want them to be hungry at home either."

"While they're on campus, they have a meal. If they're hungry, they go just take what they want out of the refrigerator. That's something we're struggling with. It's about $100 a week for each kitchen. Somebody could help not by donating food, but donating money,” Russell said.

Those who would like to support the Heroes' Kitchen may email Russell for details.

Got Your Six training is another option to better understand student veterans and what their needs and challenges might be, Russell said.

"If you have a veteran in your class or you encounter a veteran that is experiencing food insecurity, where should you send them? What should you tell them?" she said. "Resources are available both on and off campus. If you don’t know where they are, email me."