Military Appreciation Month

Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots® Drive

Join us November 1-30 in supporting the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots® Drive! This program collects new, unwrapped toys to give to less fortunate children in our community at Christmas. By donating a toy, you can help bring Christmas joy and hope to a child this December. Drop off your donation at the collection area in the Veterans Center on the second floor of the Montview Student Union (Suite 2770) and help bring Christmas joy and hope to a child this holiday season.

Nov. 7: Mike Donahue Memorial 5-Miler

The Valley View 5 Miler is a partnership between the Liberty University Campus Recreation and Military Affairs departments to show our support for those who serve. The race honors the life and legacy of U.S. Army Maj. Mike Donahue, a Liberty alumnus and former Army ROTC assistant professor who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2014. His military decorations included the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. From 2008 to 2010, he taught and mentored Liberty’s ROTC cadets, inspiring future Army officers through his leadership, encouragement, and dedication to serving others. An avid runner, he shared his love of the sport with Lynchburg’s running community, regularly joining fellow runners on the Liberty Mountain trails.

Join us for special pre-race ceremonies honoring those who gave their lives in service to our nation.

• Sign up! (military discount available)
• Location: Camp Hydaway Outdoor Center
• Time: The pre-race ceremony starts at 8:40 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m.

Nov. 7: MURPH Challenge

Join the annual Liberty University Murph Challenge (LUMC)! The LUMC is a student-led, veteran charity event focuses on faith, fitness, and remembrance to honor our nation’s heroes through physical competition, military traditions, and veteran-centered ceremonies.

The main event consists of a one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and a second one-mile run. 100% of all proceeds go toward event expenses and to raise money for the National Center for Healthy Veterans in nearby Altavista!

• Time: 9 a.m.
• Location: Liberty Indoor Track Complex
• Learn more and register here!

Nov. 7: CFAW Military Affairs Breakout Session

Meet the military community and strategize your military funding, during one of our most exciting events for prospective students each year, College for a Weekend (CFAW). Learn about GI Bill® benefits, Tuition Assistance, and outside military scholarships.

• Location: Montview Student Union Alumni Ballroom, Side B
• Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Nov. 7: Military Appreciation Hockey Game Sponsored by the Virginia Army National Guard

We welcome you to join us for the Military Appreciation Hockey Game to honor our veterans!

• Location: LaHaye Ice Center
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Link to free tickets for Military students coming soon!
• Stream live!

Nov. 10: Veterans Appreciation Reception

Join us for the Military Appreciation Reception, where we look forward to honoring the service members and veterans of all branches.

• Location: Montview Student Union Alumni Ballroom
• Doors open at 11:30 a.m. with the event being from 12-1 p.m. The event space will close at 1:30 p.m.

Nov. 11: Veterans Day Monogram Hike

The Student Veterans Association is inviting all veterans to hike the hillside trail to the monogram on the morning of Veterans Day. Come join us for fellowship and good exercise with the LU military community!

• Location: Gather at the Snowflex Parking Lot at 6:30 a.m. to hike the Trail to the Monogram.
• Time: 6:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m

Nov. 11: Military Appreciation Convocation

Join us for a special Convocation to honor our Nation’s service members and veterans! There will be a special Veterans Day ceremony at the beginning of the event.

• Veterans within the LU military community are invited to the President’s Box for special seating and a breakfast buffet. Email militaryoutreach@liberty.edu from your LU email account to reserve your spot. 
• Location: Vines Center
• Time: 10:30 a.m.
• Convocation Schedule

Nov. 12: Air Force ROTC 24 Hour Vigil

Liberty University Air Force ROTC will be holding a 24-hour vigil on the Montview Student Union Steps to remember our nation’s prisoners of war and missing in action. A special ceremony will be held.

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, as of Sept. 3, 2025 more than 81,600 Americans remain missing from conflicts since World War II.

POW/MIA vigils provide an opportunity to remember and honor those who have served, according the agency. The 24 hour vigil represents the United States’ constant efforts to recover and repatriate American heroes.

• Ceremony Location: School of Business Towns Auditorium (room 1000)
• Ceremony Time: 5:00 p.m.
• Vigil Location: Montview Student Union Steps
• Vigil Start: 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 13: Movie Night in the Veterans Center

All service members and veterans are invited to the Movie Night in the Veterans Center, sponsored by Liberty’s Student Veterans Association, our chapter of Student Veterans of America. 

• Location: Veterans Center – Montview Student Union, Suite 2770 (Second Floor)
• Time: 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 14: Military Appreciation Football Game

Liberty Football honors all members of our military during our home Military Appreciation Game! Remember to always Be Early, Be Loud and Wear RED!

• Location: Williams Stadium
• Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
• Tickets: Contact the Flames Ticket Office at (434) 592-5015 or reference the Football Ticket Information page.
  • Free tickets are available for service members and veterans at www.vettix.org/.
• The George Rogers Champion of Freedom Award will be announced during the halftime show.

Nov. 18-19: American Red Cross Blood Drive

In honor of those who serve our nation, Liberty University will host a Military Appreciation Blood Drive in partnership with the American Red Cross on November 18-19. Help save lives by scheduling your donation on the Red Cross website or by calling 1-800-733-2767. Select the drive at the Liberty University Student Center and choose your preferred appointment time.

• Location: Montview Student Union Alumni Ballroom
• Date: November 18 and 19
• Time: 12:00-6:00 p.m.