Lander University honors students who have been called into active duty with the South Carolina National Guard by presenting them with deployment flags. The tradition was first announced at Lander's Veterans Day program in November.
"We have a number of students, faculty and staff who serve our country in the National Guard and reserves," Director of Military and Veteran Services Chris Giles explained at the time. "The idea is for the service member to carry these flags as they travel around the world in service to their country, hopefully taking pictures and sending them back to us so we can show our support of our amazing Lander family."
Johnaisha Patterson (left) receives her deployment flag from Michael Gopaul (right), president of Lander University's Student Veterans Association. Patterson is a Lander student deploying with the South Carolina National Guard.
LaDawn Cann (left) shakes hands with Michael Gopaul (right), president of Lander's Student Veterans Association, while being presented with her Lander deployment flag. Cann is a Lander student deploying with the South Carolina National Guard.