Campus Hosts Ceremony to Honor Veterans

Those gathered for the event were welcomed by Dr. Tami Hendriksz, Dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Interim Chief Academic Officer for the University, and Newman Hoffman, Vice President and Interim Chief Executive Officer of the University.

Hendriksz (DO Class of 2006) spoke of the historical significance of the campus as part of the former U.S. Navy hospital complex.

"Now, as we look around, we see the faces of those who have served and continue to serve our great nation," she said.

Hendriksz singled out faculty, staff, students and guests who have ties to the military.

"Your sacrifice and commitment to duty do not go unnoticed," she said. "You bring a unique perspective and strength to our university community and for that, we are immeasurably grateful."

Substance Use a 'Formidable Enemy'

Keynote speaker Dr. David Duncan, a retired U.S. Navy commander, focused on the scourge of substance use both in the active service, among veterans and in the community at-large.

"The battle against substance use is one that we cannot fight alone," Duncan said. "It is a formidable enemy that can silently infiltrate our lives, affecting not only our own well-being, but also our families, our friends, and the very communities that we're sworn to protect."

Duncan called on those present for the ceremony to do whatever they can to help stem the tide of addiction, to help remove the stigma often associated with substance abuse, and to ensure that the resources that are necessary are available to those who need support.

"I implore each one of you to recognize the signs not just in others, but within ourselves," Duncan said. "Substance use does not discriminate. It can affect any one of us. That's regardless of rank, background, experience, financial status, race, gender. It affects everybody – everybody in the community, everybody in the service.

"It's vital that we provide support, understanding and resources for those who may be struggling," Duncan said.

Duncan received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with the College of Osteopathic Medicine's pioneer Class of 2001. He served for nine years in the Navy before transitioning to the active duty Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service and serving in that capacity with the U.S. Coast Guard. He finished his active-duty career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Community Connections Clear

Vallejo Mayor Robert McConnell spoke of his service during the Vietnam War and his father's service during World War II.

McConnell's comments centered on what it means to be a veteran. He called Veterans Day "an extremely happy day."

"This is a day for the living," he said. "This is a day when those of us who did serve and did come back are able to rejoice."

Vallejo Vice Mayor Rozzana Verder-Aliga, whose husband is a U.S. Army and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and whose father was a World War II veteran who served in the Philippines, spoke of the support the Vallejo community receives from Touro University California.

"Your amazing university became the first private Purple Heart University on the West Coast in 2014," Verder-Aliga said. "Our city is especially grateful to Touro University California and to each of you because you positively make a difference in our community, and also make a big difference in the lives of people you serve here in Vallejo."

Melvin "Mel" Orpilla from Rep. John Garamendi's office read a letter from the congressman detailing legislation he has forwarded to benefit the veteran community.

Vallejo City Councilman Diosdado "JR" Matulac, former City Councilwoman Pippen Dew and Bel Marin Keys Community Services District Board Member Steve Nash were also in attendance.

The Military Club's president, Student-Doctor Grace Hwang (MSMHS Class of 2022) served as emcee. The event was organized by an on-campus Planning Committee of students, faculty, and staff.