Gratitude for Our Veterans
Dear UMB Community,
A little over a month from today, the streets of Baltimore will be filled with Army cadets and Navy midshipmen visiting our city to attend the annual Army-Navy football game, which will be held at M&T Bank Stadium.
Two student veterans from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), Matthew Link and Shannon Long, will be at the game thanks to a UMB giveaway that provided each of them with two tickets. It will be the first time Matthew or Shannon has attended the storied college football rivalry, which will be played for the 126th time and dates back to 1890.
Matthew, who served in the Army from 2002 to 2022 and retired at the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3, is a Doctor of Physical Therapy student at our School of Medicine. Shannon, who is pursuing a master’s degree at our School of Social Work, served in the Navy as a Master-at-Arms, Third Class, from 2013 to 2017. Their dedication, leadership, and resilience strengthen our University community and inspire all of us to serve with the same commitment and purpose in all parts of our lives.
On Veterans Day today, we take a moment to honor and express our gratitude to all the people who have served in the U.S. armed forces, especially those like Matthew and Shannon who are part of our UMB community. We thank them for their sacrifices, their courage, and their dedication to protecting the freedoms we enjoy in our country.
UMB takes pride in the diversity of experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives that our students, faculty, and staff bring to this institution. Within our community there are many veterans who put service to their country above all else. Now at UMB, they continue that legacy of service in different ways through our mission to improve the human condition and serve the public good.
We understand the unique attributes veterans bring to the classroom and workspace — as well as the unique challenges they often face while transitioning to civilian life. We offer award-winning, flexible academic programs and services for active-duty military service members, veterans, and military spouses and families.
As we reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans, let us continue to honor their legacy by striving to build a community of respect, opportunity, and service to others.
Sincerely,
Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS
President
