Carolina continues to care for military students

In his new office in the Student and Academic Services Building South, Rob Palermo sifted through cardboard signs with names of Carolina alumni printed across the top — Lawrence Finn, William Milton Miller and Tanya Bradsher, among others.

These are just a few Tar Heels who went on to serve their country in the armed forces throughout the University’s 232-year history. Palermo, program director for Carolina’s Military and Veteran Student Success Center, shares these signs to highlight the University’s dedication to veterans.

“We’ve had so many veterans that have served in meaningful ways that are also Carolina alums,” Palermo said. “Going all the way back to even before the Civil War, the University has always had a service ethos when it comes to supporting the armed forces.”

That ethos can be found throughout Carolina’s history.

From 1942 to 1945, for example, the University was home to the Navy Pre-Flight School, which trained naval pilots during World War II. Future presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush served as an instructor and cadet, respectively. The school fielded its own football team, the Cloudbusters, where legends like Bear Bryant and Johnny Vaught served as assistant coaches. It was also home to the B-1 Band, the first all-African American unit in the U.S. Navy.

The US Navy B-1 was comprised of the first African Americans to serve at rank higher than messman in the modern Navy. (UNC-Chapel Hill)

The UNC Armory was built to house the school and now hosts many of Carolina’s ROTC programs.

“The Pre-Flight School helped keep the University going during those years, especially as our country was coming out of the Depression,” Palermo said.

In the 80 years since the Pre-Flight School, the University continued to extend its gratitude and expand services for military students. The nearly 1,200 military students and 1,400 military-affiliated students currently enrolled make up a substantial part of the Carolina community.

“The Pre-Flight School helped keep the University going during those years, especially as our country was coming out of the Depression,” Palermo said. (UNC-Chapel Hill)

Carolina provides benefits to veterans, both financially and through events such as the Red, White and Carolina Blue Graduation Ceremony, specifically for military-affiliated students.

Desiree Rieckenberg, dean of students, has made improving services for veteran and military students a priority during her six years in the role.

“I think one of the things that makes Carolina stand out is how we continue to strive to do more and do better,” Rieckenberg said. “Not only in program development, but in services, in staff, in space, in resources, making connections and really trying to continue our push forward.”

One step forward came with the opening of a service center for military students in 2017. Originally called the Carolina Veterans Resource Center, it was renamed the Military and Veteran Student Success Center this past year. The rebranded center acts as a communal space where veterans and active-duty military students can study, relax and share their experiences and also serves military dependents, spouses and ROTC cadets.

Red, White and Carolina Blue graduation Ceremony held at the Frank Porter Graham Student Union on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. May 9, 2025. The Charge to graduates was given by Rear Admiral Kristin Acquavella ’93.
(Jon Gardiner/UNC-Chapel Hill)

Through collaborations with groups such as Carolina’s Student Veterans of America chapter and the UNC School of Government, the MVSS has been able to offer unique programming and opportunities for students. It also provides faculty and staff training, including the Green Zone program, which helps participants gain a better understanding of the military student experience.

“I think there’s an eagerness to learn about and continue supporting these students,” Palermo said. “So many of them have gone on to have tremendous positions of influence, including, recently, Tanya Bradsher, who was first female deputy secretary of Veteran Affairs.”

When reflecting on Carolina’s relationship with the military over the decades, one word comes to the dean of students’ mind.

“Care,” Rieckenberg said. “We care for them as people. We care about their service and their commitment. We have a responsibility to care for them and see them through their experience at Carolina.”