ESU to Host Veterans Day Celebration
Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on November 10, 2021, No Comments
East Stroudsburg University will host its 13th annual Veterans Day Celebration Tuesday, November 16 at 2 p.m. to recognize local veterans, servicemen and servicewomen in all branches of the armed services. The celebration will be in Stroud Hall, Room 117. In addition, there will be a military observance adjacent to the “Julia” statue at the front campus circle. Julia was originally acquired by East Stroudsburg State Normal School alumni in 1919 to commemorate and honor the school’s servicemen and women who had died in World War I.
The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Royce Fetherman served as an officer in the United States Air Force (USAF). A 1987 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, he participated in the crosstown Air Force ROTC program from 1982-87 at Lehigh University, through which he received his commission in 1987.
Lt Col Fetherman attended Specialized Undergraduate Navigator Training in February 1988. He became worldwide qualified as a navigator in the C-130 E aircraft. Fetherman was based in the 61st Airlift Squadron, Little Rock AFB, AR. In 1993, he left active duty to continue his service in the AF Reserve with the 327th Airlift Squadron, Willow Grove, PA.
As a Standards and Evaluation Navigator, Fetherman has flown over 8,000 hours to include numerous combat missions in the Middle East. After Willow Grove Air Reserve Station closed in 2006, he finished his career at the 328th Airlift Squadron, Niagara Falls ARS, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
Fetherman retired in December 2011 with 24 years of service. He is the recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Aerial Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Award, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal with M device, and Air Force Training Ribbon.
He is a lifelong resident of Stroudsburg and currently lives in Cherry Valley. Fetherman was co-owner of Eagles Rest Tree Plantation for 18 years. For the last five years, he has owned and operated Eagles Rest Cellars, a beautiful winery in scenic Cherry Valley.
Royce has been married to his navigator classmate, Debra, for 33 years. Debra retired as a Major with 24 years of service. She is an associate professor of health promotion at The University of Scranton, co-owner of the winery and works on the winery’s social media and event planning. Audra, their daughter, works as the general manager for Eagles Rest Cellars. Both Royce, class of 1987, and Audra, class of 2019, are graduates of ESU.
The Veterans Day Celebration program will also include the armed forces medley, a wreath laying by ESU Interim President Kenneth Long and Lieutenant Colonel Fetherman, and the playing of taps and a three volley salute by Monroe County Joint Veterans Honor Guard.
A reception will be held following the program in the foyer of Zimbar-Liljenstein Hall.
For more information, contact June Pepe in the Student Enrollment Center at (570) 422-2812 or at veterans@esu.edu.
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