A new living memorial to military veterans now stands on The University of Texas at Arlington campus following a Veterans Day ceremony.
Maverick Veterans, the UTA chapter of Student Veterans of America, recognized the sacrifices of World War II veteran Clifford Stump with the planting of a tree outside of the Office of Military and Veterans Services. The tree represents the sacrifices of Stump and all U.S. military veterans.
"I as a veteran appreciate hearing from other people. It gives me courage," Stump said. "You go through a lot, and you don't want to talk about it anymore. But it makes you feel good when people recognize that you served in World War II."
Dalton Owens, president of Maverick Veterans and himself a six-year U.S. Army combat veteran, praised Stump's battlefield courage.
"Mr. Stump did not win the war by himself. But he had a tremendous influence on the outcome because of his bravery and personal courage," Owens said. "Because of him and others like him, when the dust settled, we were victorious."
The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) worked with Maverick Veterans to select the ideal tree for the memorial. The choice was a Shumard red oak for its ability to grow in tough conditions that can be typical in Texas, including hot summers and times of drought.
"A tree has to be resilient. If the climate is changing, it has to be strong," said Zack Abnet, ACC state director.
Owens said the Office of Military and Veterans Services is the perfect spot for the tree to grow, as it will overlook the UTA veteran and military-connected community that walks by it every day.
"When I was a new student, I was lost in transition and this veterans center was the backbone that I needed to propel myself to my higher education," Owens said. "This veterans services building had the candle in the window to help me get home."
