UA Student Veterans Lay Wreath at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Four University of Alabama student veterans laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., earlier this month.

This shared moment among the vets marked the first time any current UA student or student from a school in the Southeastern Conference participated in this ritual honoring U.S. military members who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Drew Bair, a Marine Corps veteran, and Blake Schickel, an Army veteran, had the honor of placing the wreath during the revered, traditional ceremony. Fellow UA Student Veterans Association leaders Cody Copper and Jordan Golden joined them in support.

The honor concluded a week of impactful experiences as part of Washington Week hosted by Student Veterans of America.

Laying the Wreath

Copper, who was once stationed in D.C. with the Old Guard and still had connections there, came up with the idea to participate in a ceremony.

“I made a few calls and was able to get the opportunity for us to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” said Copper, treasurer of the UA Student Veterans Association. “I was really happy for my friends in seeing them lay the wreath. It was quite a humbling experience.” 

“This was my first time going to Washington, D.C.,” said Bair, vice president of the UA Student Veterans Association. “To get to do that on my first visit, it’s hard to wrap my mind around it. It’s an emotional and powerful moment.”

“The wreath-laying ceremony for me was very surreal,” said Golden, the public affairs officer for the UA Student Veterans Association. “We try to build on a foundation for UA’s student veterans and to advocate for them. So, to end a week of impactful events with laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it’s hard to put into words.”

“As the first school in the SEC to perform this incredible honor, this demonstrates that the University of Alabama is the Capstone of Veteran Success in the nation,” said UA’s Director of Veteran and Military Affairs Andrew Newby.

“I’m proud of the student veterans who chose to give away the best years of their lives to serve in our military. It is incredible to watch them thrive in their next right step after service by choosing higher education at The University of Alabama.”

Laying the Groundwork for Student Veterans

The wreath-laying was just one part of the D.C. trip, which also included meeting with national officials and delegates from Alabama.

“As a whole, everyone was excited to listen to us,” said Bair. “It was great to talk with lawmakers and push policy programs that are important to our student veterans here.”

“It was great to see how we can be advocates for change,” added Copper. “We got to meet with Under Secretary of the Navy Victor Minella at the Pentagon. He stressed to us the importance of service members getting into politics.”

Schickel, UA SVA president, said his experience made him feel like student veterans have a voice.

“I went into the week not knowing what to expect. It was really good to see the government working,” he said. “I got to see it from a military and voter perspective in a way that makes sense. We felt heard.”

Additionally, Schickel said he is especially appreciative of how student veterans are seen and heard at UA.

“Dr. Hood being there was huge to us,” he said. “We had no expectation that UA would send someone official to D.C., but he was there with us. No other schools had someone like him there, so it meant a lot.”

Newby also added that the experience encouraged the students to leave their mark.   

“Student veterans add value to all the places they find themselves. Their experiences and understanding of how the world operates gives them a unique perspective on addressing real issues.”

Aspects of the experience left an impression on UA’s student veterans. “I definitely want to intern in D.C. and someday be a military liaison,” said Copper.

Bair added, “You feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing. We call it second service – finding your purpose after service.”

Watch the UA Student Veterans Lay the Wreath