Shenandoah University Hosts Veteran Appreciation Cookout

On May 28, Shenandoah University’s Hazel-Pruitt Armory, home of the Hub for Innovators, Veterans and Entrepreneurs (HIVE), and the Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veteran Engagement Board (NSV-CVEB) hosted their first Veteran Appreciation BBQ.

The event welcomed more than 100 veterans, active-duty service members, and supporters. Winchester Mayor Les Veach thanked both NSV-CVEB and the HIVE for creating such a successful event supporting the veteran community. 

Entertainment included live music by Guitars 4 Vets and a mobile splatter room by Prismatic Art Studio.

“The success of the event reflects the strong partnership between NSV-CVEB and the HIVE,” said Shenandoah University Provost Karen Abraham, Ph.D. She expressed her sincere appreciation to Ashley Moslak, chair of NSV-CVEB; Niccole Hess, director of online managed programs and military benefits at Shenandoah and vice chair of NSV-CVEB; and Patricia Young, executive director of the HIVE.

The HIVE and NSV-CVEB recognized the various Veteran Service Organizations in attendance: Congressman Ben Cline’s office, American Red Cross of Central Appalachia Region, DAV Chapter 9, Team Rubicon, Culpeper National Cemetery, Martinsburg Veteran Center, Women Veterans Network (WoVen), Virginia Department of Veteran Services, and Shenandoah University.  

Northern Shenandoah Valley Community Veterans Engagement Board (NSV-CVEB) brings together local resources and capabilities to improve outcomes for veterans, transitioning service members, and those who support them. Northern Shenandoah Valley CVEB provides opportunities for community stakeholders to discuss veteran issues and develop collaborative relationships with Department of Veterans Affairs leadership and other veteran service organizations.

“The Veteran Appreciation BBQ demonstrates what we can achieve through collaboration,” Young said.