VINCENNES, Ind. – Vincennes University invites the public to the Tribute to Veterans on Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center.

The Veterans Day program will feature several speakers, military organizations, singers, and video presentations. VU alumnus and retired Army Lt. Col. Shawn Gardner is the speaker.

Vincennes Lincoln High School JROTC will post and retire the colors as well as recognize veterans. Lincoln High School student Isabella Meyer and the Civitan Children’s Center will perform musical selections. Christian Campus Fellowship Administrative Director Scott Shipman will offer the invocation and benediction. Alex Sievers, director of the VU Military Education Program, is the master of ceremonies.

A 21-Gun Salute will be presented at the conclusion of the program by the All-Weather Firing Squad.

A reception will follow.

The Tribute to Veterans is sponsored annually by the VU Support Staff Council. VU faculty and students will perform music prior to and after the program.

ABOUT SHAWN GARDNER

LTC(R) Shawn D. Gardner attended Vincennes University from 1990 to 1992.  After VU, he transferred to Indiana University where he received his commission through the Reserve Officer Training Corps in 1995. His first duty assignment was as a Rifle Platoon Leader in the 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina. LTC(R) Gardner additionally served as a Mortar Platoon Leader in the 82d.  While stationed at Fort Bragg, LTC Gardner was assigned as the Service Detachment Commander for 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

LTC Gardner was assigned to the 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne) in 2000 with whom he was mobilized for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001.  LTC Gardner followed up his initial tour in Afghanistan as the Commander of 151st Infantry (Long Range Surveillance) Detachment.

In 2004, LTC Gardner was assigned to Fort Benning, Georgia where he commanded the Warrior Training Center (WTC).  During his tenure at the WTC, LTC Gardner planned, resourced, and executed the National Guard’s first Air Assault Mobile Training Team.   Additionally, he led the Ranger Training Assessment Course (Pre-Ranger) for all National Guard Soldiers and Airmen, Marines, and international allied forces.

In 2009, LTC Gardner served as the Operations Officer (S3) for the 1-19th Agribusiness Development Team in Khowst, Afghanistan.  Upon return from this second tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, LTC Gardner was assigned as the Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Communications for the Indiana National Guard.  LTC Gardner assumed Command of the INARNG Recruiting and Retention Battalion on 1 September 2012.  Subsequently, LTC Gardner served as the Director of Plans, Training, Mobilization, and Security at Camp Atterbury.  He is currently the Camp Atterbury Executive Officer.

LTC Gardner’s military education includes the Infantry Officer’s Basic and Advanced Courses, the Combined Exercise Course and the Command and General Staff College.  LTC Gardner also holds a Master of Communications in Systems Strategy and Management from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.

Some of his awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terror Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Combat Action Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, British Parachutist Badge and Combat Service Identification Badges for the 82nd Airborne Division, 101st  Airborne Division, and 1st Special Forces Command (Airborne).

LTC Gardner is now the Executive Vice President of the Eleven Fifty Academy, a non-profit software development and cybersecurity training academy located in Indianapolis, IN.  He resides in Greenwood, Indiana with his wife Maxie, daughter Margo and son Charlie.

VINCENNES UNIVERSITY - Indiana’s First College

VU is state-supported with campuses in Vincennes and Jasper, the Aviation Technology Center and American Sign Language program in Indianapolis, Early College Career and Technical Education Centers, and additional sites such as the Gene Haas Training and Education Center in Lebanon, the Logistics Training and Education Center in Plainfield, and the Gibson County Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics in Fort Branch. A leader in developing Early Colleges statewide, VU also offers instruction at military sites throughout the nation.

In addition to offering a wide range of associate degree and certificate programs, VU also offers bachelor’s degree programs in technology, homeland security, nursing, secondary education programs in mathematics and science, and special education/elementary education.

VU enrolls students from throughout Indiana, 36 other states, and 21 other countries. Tuition and fees are the lowest among Indiana campuses with residence halls. VU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Founded in 1801, VU is Indiana’s first college and is the only college in the nation founded by an individual who would later become President of the United States. William Henry Harrison, the ninth U.S. President, founded VU while serving as governor of the Indiana Territory. More information is available at www.vinu.edu

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Vincennes University Newsroom

MARCIA MARTINEZ, University Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
   812-888-4164 office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/news/newsroom