Fayetteville State University is leading a regional alliance to bridge the gap between military installations and civilian support systems. During the fourth annual Military Appreciation Luncheon on April 30, the university hosted about 250 regional leaders at the Rudolph Jones Student Center. The event addressed the evolving needs of service members, Veterans, retirees, and their families.
The 2026 theme, “United in Service: Empowering Military Families Through Community Partnership,” highlights how civilian organizations advance long-term stability in education, health care, employment, advocacy, and social connection.
By building a strategic link between installation operations and community resources, the university seeks to drive regional prosperity and resilience.
“Supporting military families is a collective responsibility that requires intentional coordination,” said Ariel Aponte, master of the ceremony and associate vice chancellor for the Division of External Affairs and Military Relations. “When efforts are aligned across higher education, the military, government, and community partners, we establish a more resilient and sustainable support system for the entire region.”…