A Saturday breakfast meeting that will offer area veterans an opportunity to share their stories will kick off a week of activities honoring veterans, service members and their families at the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg.

“Operation Transition: From Service to Wellness” is the theme for the week, with activities supported by sponsor Adagio Health. That theme aligns with the university’s promotion of its 2022-2023 academic year as a “Year of Emotional Well-Being.”

Separating from the military marks “a significant change that may affect every aspect of a service member’s life,” said Lisa Reffner, data and registrar specialist who also is the school certifying official for military and veterans programs. “That transition brings with it many losses — the loss of community, a reliable support system, and the deep sense of purpose and camaraderie that comes with serving in the military.”

“As always, our goal is to honor veterans, military members and their families for their service to our country, past and present,” said Alexander “Red” Bittner, assistant director of admissions. Bittner, an Army reservist, and Reffner, who is an Air Force veteran, co-chair the Pitt-Greensburg Veterans Action Committee.

• The Veterans Breakfast Club will meet from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday in the Hempfield Room of Chambers Hall. The club’s aim is to create “communities of listening” around veterans and their stories and is “an opportunity to listen, learn, connect and heal” while obtaining “a glimpse into American history by those who have lived it,”Bittner said.

The club event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. RSVP by emailing Betty@veteransbreakfastclub.org or calling 412-623-9029.

Event sponsors include the Pitt-Greensburg Office of Veterans Services, SITREP (Service, Initiative, Transition, Resource, Education and Partnership) — Military & Veteran Success at Pitt-Greensburg, Safe and Secure Training and Range, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Zachary Hippely — a Realtor, student and Air Force veteran.

• An annual wreath ceremony, open to the public, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Monday at the Chambers Hall flag poles. Hippely will be the keynote speaker, fellow Air Force veteran Tom Beaver will perform taps and members of the Pitt-Greensburg ROTC unit will serve as an honor guard.

“This year, our wreath will be accompanied by a circle of 22 flags,” Reffner said. “We honor the service, the sacrifice, and the lives of those who have lost their battles both on the battlefield and after returning home.”

• Members of the campus community will gather in the Chambers Hall lobby at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday for “Weaving the Community Together,” taking turns on a loom under the guidance of experienced weavers to create a unique piece of woven artwork,. Those participating are invited to bring their own fabric, which must measure at least one-half inch wide and 24 inches long.

“Each person will weave their own material into the artwork,” Bittner said. “At the end of the event, we’ll have a piece of art that can be displayed on campus.”

• The public is invited to a Veteran Wellness & Resource Fair 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Hempfield Room. The fair will include military representatives as well as service providers and agencies whose focus is to assist veterans and their dependents.

• A free screening of the award-winning documentary “Bastards’ Road” is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, in the Mary Lou Campana Chapel and Lecture Center. The 2020 film depicts the 6,000-mile cross-country walk of Jonathan Hancock as he met fellow Marine veterans and the families of the fallen, while managing the wounds of war.

• Members of the campus community will be able to sample a MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) military ration and try on equipment such as helmets and rucksacks from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at Chambers Hall. Cake will be served to celebrate the 247th birthday of the Marine Corps.

• A Veterans Day Luncheon will be served at 11 a.m. next Friday, Nov. 11, in the Hempfield Room. Hosted by the Pitt-Greensburg Chapter of Phi Eta Sigma, the meal is free to the public.

• A photo will be taken at noon next Friday, Nov. 11, at the Chambers Hall flag poles of those wearing red that day, to “Remember Everyone Deployed.”

Those planning to attend any of the Pitt-Greensburg Veterans Week events are encouraged to register in advance online. More information about individual activities can be found by visiting greensburg.pitt.edu and searching the Events listing.

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