University Kicks Off National Security Institute Lecture Series

The Offices of Military Affairs and Veteran Affairs at Alabama A&M University recently hosted the 19th Annual Veterans Day Program and Reception held at the Ernest L. Knight Center, paying tribute to the bravery and dedication of all who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The program, themed “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” celebrated the contributions and sacrifices of veterans, both past and present.

The ceremony opened with the Columbia High School JROTC Honor Guard presenting the colors, setting a respectful tone for the occasion. Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) BK Haynes, Director of the Office of Veteran Affairs, welcomed attendees and shared the significance of honoring veterans’ service.

This year’s event featured the inaugural installment of the “National Security Institute Lecture Series,” with guest speaker Daniel E. White, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In introducing White, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Taurus D. Smith highlighted White’s extensive military and public service career as a senior executive. White shared his reflections on Veterans Day and his insights on the importance of serving in national security.

Recalling his own families’ tradition of military service since the Korean War, White also heralded the military legacy of an Alabama A&M alumnus who was his mentor while in the Army. Colonel Oscar Doward ’94 was inspired to join the Army from his father’s courageous service in Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Doward lost his leg while fighting in the jungle. White shared that after some research, he learned he served in the same unit as the elder Doward, the 16th Infantry Regiment. Later in White’s career, Colonel Doward promoted White to captain, connecting him to Alabama A&M.

Other ROTC Bulldog Battalion alumni White mentioned included Desert Storm veteran Lieutenant Colonel Wallace McLoyd ’85, Iraqi War veteran Lieutenant Colonel Lee Green ’92, and White House Fellow and Afghanistan War veteran Lieutenant Colonel Brian Kitching ’05.

White painted the picture of threats the United States faces at home and abroad. He described how Russia, China, and domestic violent extremists use race as a wedge to divide Americans and sow chaos across the country. White emphasized pushing back against this narrative of chaos, is where a diverse national security workforce matters.

“What we need is more of you in this room to wrestle with this problem—set the policy positions to fight back against those who seek to dislodge us,” said White. “We need a Black man as the Ambassador to China. We need a Black woman as the Ambassador to Russia. I want to see an Alabama A&M Bulldog staring down Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, with the full weight of the United States behind them.”

He closed with a call to action to the students in attendance, “Life doesn’t get easier; you get better at doing hard things. So, go out and do something hard, serve your country.”

After White’s address, the Alabama A&M Marching Maroon and White Ensemble performed the “Service Medley,” honoring each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. Director of Bands Carlton Wright played “Taps,” followed by a moment of silence, offering a solemn reminder of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Shannon Reeves, Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations, delivered the closing remarks.

Through this Annual Veterans Day Program, Alabama A&M University reaffirms its commitment to honoring the legacy, courage, and service of America’s veterans. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by veterans and their enduring impact on national security and community.

(Photo L-R) Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Taurus D. Smith; Daniel E. White, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Strategy and Policy Planning at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security;  Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) BK Haynes, Director of the Office of Veteran Affairs; Shannon Reeves, Vice President of Government Affairs and External Relations