When the flag was placed in Tyler Mobley’s hands at Old Dominion University’s Veterans Day Observance, he said he was “truly speechless.”
“Being selected to receive a folded flag from a university that educates nearly 1,000 veterans is an incredible honor,” said Tyler, a Navy veteran and junior majoring in exercise science with a minor in public health. “To me, it represents a continuation of the values instilled during my time in service and how they’ve carried into this next chapter of my life.”
The annual ceremony, held before a standing-room-only crowd, celebrates ’s deep military roots. Approximately 30% of Monarchs are affiliated with the armed forces, including more than 900 veteran students and 93 veteran faculty and staff. Each year, one college or department selects a veteran to receive the nation’s colors, a tradition that honors both individual service and the University’s military community.
This year, Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University selected Tyler, who enlisted in 2017 and served as an intelligence specialist with the USS Harry S. Truman strike group before beginning his studies at .
“Tyler is a leader among the students in our exercise science program,” said Kyle Davis, undergraduate program director for exercise science. “Having veterans like Tyler among our program uplifts other students and makes the program stronger.” He added that Tyler is the vice president of the Exercise Science Club and consistently stands out in his classes.
“When the call came down from the dean to nominate someone, I knew exactly who I would nominate and responded within five minutes to the request,” said Eva Maddox, Ph.D., clinical assistant professor in the School of Exercise Science — part of Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences Ellmer College of Health Sciences at Old Dominion University. “Furthermore, Tyler is in my office on a regular basis to discuss his goals, plans, priorities, etc. So to see someone that has done so much for so many others and is still working to find the best way to help others, was heartwarming for me.”
A U.S. Army veteran herself, Dr. Maddox created the Exercise Science Student Veterans Group after realizing how often fellow veterans sought her out for guidance and connection. “As a veteran and military spouse, I have a unique perspective on life and education that most of the other faculty and students don’t have,” she said. “So I decided to create a veterans group for our School of Exercise Science, just to connect the veterans with each other.”
Tyler said that sense of belonging has been one of the most meaningful parts of his time at . “My involvement in the Exercise Science Veterans Group has had an incredibly positive impact on my experience as a student veteran,” he said. “These groups have allowed me to feel seen, supported, and connected to others who have answered the same call to serve.”
As the group grows, so does its purpose. What began as an informal network of students swapping stories and support has become a visible example of what makes the Ellmer College of Health Sciences, and as a whole, a welcoming place for those who have served.