The Simmons School of Social Work (SSW), distinguished guests, and members of the Simmons community gathered for the second annual Veterans Day program on November 18. This year’s keynote speaker was Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, US Army (Ret).
“I have the distinct pleasure of calling this second annual Veterans Day program to order,” said Samuel Odom, Associate Professor of Practice in Simmons’ School of Social Work (SSW) and US Army combat veteran, as he welcomed esteemed guests and the Simmons community to the event held on November 18.
Reflections on Service and History
Following the posting of the colors, US Navy Combat Veteran J.Q. Stewart ’22MSW delivered the invocation. Reading the Sailor’s Creed, he conveyed the profound responsibility that members of the navy cultivate. Recalling his journey from bootcamp to veteran, he said, “It was the first time that I was a part of something larger than myself.” Reflecting on what Veterans Day means to him, Stewart said, “It’s a day of enjoying each other and reaffirming our commitment to that brotherhood.”
The Northeastern University Liberty Battalion Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) led the POW-MIA (Prisoner of War-Missing in Action) ceremony. Per custom, the ceremony uses objects that represent attendees’ states of mind: the table’s roundness signifies everlasting concern. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears of those who are missing. A lighted candle reflects our hope for their return.
Arlene Martinez-Perez ’25DSW, who serves as the President of Veteran Females United at Simmons, provided a historical narrative about Veterans Day. Originally called Armistice Day, a bill that changed the name to Veterans Day was signed into law by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954. The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama in 1947. “May we carry forward the gratitude and courage that this day represents,” Martinez-Perez concluded.
Collaboration with the Commonwealth
In her welcome address, Dr. Leanne Doherty, vice provost of Simmons, said that, “uniquely at Simmons, we are proud to be part of the educational journey of a growing number of service members, veterans, and their families. They bring exceptional leadership, resilience, and a commitment to service that enriches our classrooms and our community.” As Doherty noted, Simmons recently inducted twenty new students into SALUTE, a national honors society for student veterans.
State Senator William N. Brownsberger assumed the podium to share anecdotes of his ancestors who served in the military. Contemplating their bravery and endurance, Brownsberger said, “These are the things that bring tears to our eyes on Veterans Day,” and thanked all of those who have served.
Robert Santiago, Commissioner of Veterans Services for the city of Boston and retired US Navy veteran, began his address by reminiscing about “sea stories.” As he elaborated, “What Veterans Day means to me is that my success is not my success alone, but [that of] everybody who has taught me as well. . . . Service doesn’t end when we take off our uniforms, it continues, which is why we are all here today.”
Santiago also discussed the significance of Boston for the liberty and democracy of our country and the lives of fellow veterans. Furthermore, he noted several recent legislative actions that assist veterans with housing and home ownership.
In honor of the University’s recent 125th anniversary and the SSW’s recent 120th anniversary, Santiago presented Simmons with a proclamation signed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu that crystallized the University’s vital presence in Boston. As Santiago added, “this is an historic moment to reaffirm the values that connect Simmons Sharks to the community of Boston.”
Mental Health and the Military
Lieutenant Colonel Stephen J. Fennessy, professor of military science at Northeastern University, Liberty Army Battalion ROTC, said, “we are grateful for the relationship and service of Simmons cadets.”
Fennessy introduced the keynote speaker, Lieutenant General Leslie C. Smith, US Army (Ret.), 66th Inspector General of the United States Army and Vice President for Leadership and Education with the Association of the United States. As Fennessy commented, “Lieutenant Smith served with distinction at every level.”
Joining the Simmons community virtually, Smith began, “Today … we are gathered to celebrate the courage, the sacrifice, and service of our nation’s veterans.” Reminiscing on his first deployment as a young officer in the early 1990s, Smith expressed how servicemen do not only carry gear, “but the weight of responsibility,” given that they are “the heart of our country’s commitment to freedom.”
Smith focused on the role of behavioral health and social work vis-à-vis the military today. “The profession of social work is a cornerstone for veterans, addressing their complex needs with compassion and expertise,” he said. For instance, social workers may help veterans navigate health challenges like PTSD, secure access to VA benefits, and help rebuild their lives with housing, employment, and educational programs. He also noted that mental health is key for the “readiness” of military folks, and expressed the need for holistic care.
Speaking directly to Simmons and SSW, Smith commended the University for training competent and compassionate individuals who will support and counsel veterans. He pointed out the synergy between veterans and social workers, as both professions turn service into advocacy. “To the Simmons University community,” Smith said, “thank you for fostering a space where service, compassion, and innovation [thrive].”
The Role of Social Work
Following the retiring of the colors, Gary Bailey, professor of practice and master of social work program director, offered his acknowledgements. He spoke about service, noting that social work is the largest provider of mental health services to Veterans Affairs. Bailey concluded by sharing the words of Rabindranath Tagore: “I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was my joy.”
SSW Dean Michael LaSala elaborated on how the social work profession “stand[s] ready to provide an indispensable role in supporting veterans, active service members, and their families.” He emphasized that social workers want veterans to come to them for help, and said that “we are your family.” As he continued, “In essence, as social workers we stand proud to help ensure that the sacrifices on Veterans Day are met with the necessary comprehensive long-term support for successful, healthy, and dignified transitions into civilian life.”
In his closing remarks, Professor Odom once again addressed veterans in the room: “To all veterans here today … we owe you our respect, our gratitude, and our freedom.”
Odom concluded with a quote from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift.” As he elaborated, “Today … presents a unique opportunity for us collectively to act, to create, and to experience life fully by making meaningful differences in the lives of others, namely by supporting our veterans, service members, and their families. Happy Veterans Day. This we’ll defend.”