ASU honors veterans, public servants with Salute to Service celebration, Nov. 7-17

Military service members standing on a hill looking toward a sunset

Arizona State University will hold its annual Salute to Service celebration from November 7 - 17 across all Phoenix metro campuses, honoring those who have served the nation and their communities, whether through military service, public safety, health care, or other public service.

As a leading national service university, ASU recognizes and celebrates the contributions of individuals across these fields, embodying the institution’s commitment to supporting those who serve.

Throughout the 10-day celebration, ASU units will host numerous events, including the Salute to Service football game—an annual highlight—as well as a health expo, impactful panel discussions, a World War II play, displays, and many other activities.

Planned events include:

November 6

Salute to Service Joint ROTC Run

Time:  5:30 a.m. – 7 a.m.

Location: Tempe campus (Old Main)

Description: Cadets from ASU’s Army, Navy and Air Force ROTC units will kickoff Salute to Service with a joint three-mile run starting at Old Main and finishing at Mountain America Stadium. Cadets and cadre will be available for interviews.

November 7

Wellness Warrior Health Expo
 

Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Downtown Phoenix campus (500 N. 3rd Street, Phoenix)

Description: Hosted by the College of Health Solutions, this event features veteran health resources, demonstration of services, showcasing work related to health and wellness (including a cooking class). Interviews available upon request.

Air Force Helicopter Display

Time: TBD

Location: Tempe campus (Sun Devil Fitness Center fields)

Description: An Air Force helicopter will land on the fields in front of the SDFC field in the morning. The helicopter will be on display for visitors to checkout and speak with the crew.  

November 8

Panel Discussion with Arizona Military Leaders
 

Time: 12 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Location: Tempe campus, Old Main (Carson Ballroom)

Description: Senior officers from Arizona military installations will discuss the implications of today’s technology, how military services are adapting, and how that may impact the U.S. Senior enlisted leaders will discuss what it means to serve in times of difficulty and uncertainty. This event will also be streamed live at https://news.asu.edu/asulive
 

November 9

Salute to Service Football Game: ASU vs University of Central Florida

Time: To be announced

Location: Tempe campus (Mountain America Stadium)

Description: This event will feature military-themed activities, music, food and other entertainment before the game on College Avenue.   

21st Annual Native American Heritage Festival Pow Wow
 

Time: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Location: West Valley campus (Fletcher Lawn)

Description: Celebrate Native American culture and honor veterans with a day of sacred drumming, dancing, and singing. Plus, enjoy handmade crafts and traditional foods.

November 13

East Valley Veterans Exhibit
 

Time: 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Location: Chandler Innovation Center, 249 E. Chicago St., Chandler

Description: Join us for a special tribute honoring the veterans featured in the “Querencia: Place and Belonging.” The exhibit celebrates the rich oral histories of Latinos in Chandler, highlighting their deep connection to place and identity. This event plays homage to the military service of those who are not only part of Chandler’s vibrant Latino community but also veterans.

November 15 & 16

From Tidworth with Love
 

Time: 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. (Nov. 15), 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Nov. 16)

Location: Polytechnic campus (Aravaipa Auditorium), Mesa

Description: The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement, presents a heartfelt and poignant World War II play based on a true story of Bill Barker, a soldier in basic training, and Mary Giambrone, a nursing student. Cost is $15 for general admission, $5 for students.

November 16

Merging Vets and Players Community Workout
 

Time: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Location: Tempe campus (Mountain America Stadium)

Description: MVP brings together professional athletes and military veterans to thrive when the uniform comes off through fitness, health, and wellness programs.

Members of the media looking to cover a specific Salute to Service event can reach out to the contact listed at the top of the page. For the complete list of events and more details, visit the Salute to Service 2024 homepage.