School honors veterans
Texas A&M School of Dentistry celebrated its veterans and military service members with a Veterans Day breakfast and wellness walk Nov. 10.
“I’m surprised how many vets we have,” said Dr. George Cramer, clinical associate professor in comprehensive dentistry and veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. “We have them from all services, especially young students.”
The breakfast was held on the sixth floor of the Administration and Education Building, where veterans were thanked for their service. Cramer also brought mementos to share: his jacket from his time in the Marines and patches belonging to his father-in-law Frederick Ewing Killebrew, who served in World War II and Vietnam.
The wellness walk was held at Exall Park, near the school. Faculty, staff and students took the opportunity to take a break from work and get some exercise.
“I think it’s great we get to celebrate the people who served,” said Makayla Medrano, Army veteran and third-year dental student.
Nov. 10 is also the birthday of the Marine Corps. D3 Danny Hupp brought cookie cakes to share with the student body in the clinic’s fourth-floor lounge. Cramer received the first slice of cake, being the “most seasoned” Marine present. The second slice went to the youngest, D3 Chris McCormick.
“Every year on Nov. 10, wherever they are, Marines get together to celebrate the birthday of the Marine Corps,” Hupp said. “That includes a birthday cake, and my mother-in-law was kind enough to make these cookie cakes for us. Part of the tradition is the oldest Marine present and the youngest Marine present get their slices of cake first.”
