DeSales University Office of Veterans and Military Services Receives Distinguished Patriot's Award
The Lehigh Valley Military Affairs Council (LVMAC) has honored the DeSales University Office of Veterans and Military Services with its Distinguished Patriot's Award, presented at the annual Salute to the Troops Dinner on Friday, May 8, 2026, held on the DeSales University campus.
Wendy Badman, Director of Veterans and Military Services and VA School Certifying Official (VA SCO), accepted the award on behalf of the office. The Distinguished Patriot's Award recognizes outstanding leadership, advocacy, and commitment to veterans, active-duty military members, and their families demonstrating a reflection of the continued, hands-on work that has defined DeSales' approach to serving veterans and military services students and their families.
"I am deeply honored to accept this award on behalf of the Office of Veterans and Military Services and the entire DeSales University community,” said Badman. At DeSales, our Salesian values of humility, gentleness, patience, wisdom, and hospitality guide everything we do. Those values remind us that education is about more than earning a degree, it is about creating a community where people feel welcomed, supported, valued, and where everyone knows your name. One of the greatest gifts this community offers our veteran and military-connected students is something every service member understands deeply: the feeling that you still belong,” she continued. “This recognition reflects the collective commitment of our faculty, staff, university leadership, alumni, donors, and community partners who work every day to ensure our students have the support and opportunities they deserve. Our veteran and military-connected students are the reason for our work; they are our purpose, and they are the future leaders of our communities and our nation. We are proud to walk alongside them as they continue their journey of service, leadership, and success."
This year's Salute to the Troops Dinner honored the United States Air Force and also marked a significant milestone for LVMAC itself. Major General Gerald Still, USAF (Ret.), was recognized for his remarkable 38 years of service to the organization, including 17 years as President, as he ceremonially passed the presidential gavel to incoming President Lt. Col. Alexander Alex, MSC, USAF (Ret.).
The recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with the reach of the DeSales Office of Veterans and Military Services. The office has earned acclaim at the regional, state, and national levels, receiving honors from the Pennsylvania National Guard, the Department of Defense Vietnam War Commemoration Committee, which recognized DeSales as a top-performing commemorative partner nationally, as well as United States Army recruiting organizations serving the Lehigh Valley and Harrisburg regions, and the Fleet Reserve Association Black Diamond Branch #115.
The Distinguished Patriot's Award adds to a growing legacy of recognition that highlights DeSales University's commitment to those who have served our nation. Through dedicated programming, certification support, and personalized advocacy, the Office of Veterans and Military Services continues to ensure that student veterans and military services members of the DeSales community have the resources and support they need to thrive.