HBCU News – Hornet Nation Shows Up for Delaware Veterans at Annual Stand Down & Employment Expo

By Lolita Treadwell

When we arrived at Dover’s John W. Pitts Recreation Center, we parked on a gravel lot, unloaded our cars and began lugging boxes of Delaware State University materials toward the building. Before we even made it through the doors, it was clear this wasn’t going to be an ordinary resource fair.

Outside, vendors and service providers surrounded the recreation center, giving the grounds the feel of a community festival, complete with music, food, activities and resources. Inside, seemingly endless rows of tables filled the gym, all with one purpose: supporting Delaware’s veterans.

Devon Wilson, Director of Veterans Affairs, and I were there representing Delaware State University’s Military & Veterans Team at the 2026 Delaware Veterans’ Stand Down & Employment Expo on September 18.

Following breakfast and an opening program, veterans began pouring through the doors, making their way from table to table to learn about employment opportunities, health care, housing, benefits, education and the many other resources available to them.

Devon and I must have spoken with and shaken hands with at least 500 people throughout the day. Veterans stopped at the Hornet Nation table to talk about educational opportunities. We connected with fellow veteran service providers and community partners. We handed out information, answered questions and shared how DSU supports veterans and military-affiliated students.

But what we didn’t expect was the outpouring of love for Delaware State University.

Hornet Nation, it seemed, was already in the room.

Again and again, someone would stop at our table, see the DSU name and tell us about their connection to the University.

One of those proud Hornets was Ms. Tommie Moore, who graduated from Delaware State University in 2016 at the age of 72 with a Bachelor of Social Work. At the time, DSU recognized her as the oldest graduate of the May Class of 2016. Ten years later, there she was at the Stand Down, still proudly representing Hornet Nation.

We also met fellow Hornet Robert C. Johnson, former mayor of Smyrna and a former DSU student-athlete. Johnson earned All-MEAC honors as a swimmer at Delaware State and was also a standout baseball player for the University. Decades later, he, too, was at the Stand Down showing his support for Delaware’s veterans.

One of the most moving moments of the day happened right at our table.

Devon unexpectedly encountered a former DSU military-affiliated student, one of the first students he had assisted early in his work serving veterans at the University. I watched what began as recognition quickly turn into an emotional reunion and embrace.

It was a powerful reminder that the work we do is about much more than forms, benefits, registrations or degree plans. It’s about people and relationships and sometimes you get the blessing of seeing the impact of that work years later.

And while there were meaningful moments throughout the day, there was also plenty of fun. At one point, the DJ handed me the microphone and gave me an opportunity I couldn’t resist: shouting out Delaware State University—“the home of the Hornets!”—in my best Let’s Get Ready to Rumble voice.

Later, when the music started, veterans and vendors alike made their way to the dance floor, putting their “Boots on the Ground” before joining together for the Cupid Shuffle.

Everywhere we looked, veterans proudly wore hats, shirts and insignia representing their branches of service. Conversations between strangers quickly became conversations between brothers and sisters who shared an experience few others fully understand. You could feel the camaraderie in the room.

As a proud Army veteran myself, it was especially meaningful to be there, not only representing Delaware State University but serving alongside others who share a commitment to those who have served our country.

By the end of the day, Devon and I had given away materials, made new connections, reunited with members of Hornet Nation and probably shaken more hands than either of us could count. But more importantly, we left with an even greater appreciation for Delaware’s veteran community and the organizations that show up to support it.

We extend our sincere thanks to Liz Byers-Jiron, Director of the Veterans Awareness Center Foundation, and the many volunteers, service providers, employers and community partners who created a day where veterans were unmistakably the center of attention.

This was the first time Delaware State University participated in the Delaware Veterans’ Stand Down & Employment Expo.

It will definitely not be our last.

We look forward to returning when Delaware’s veterans gather again for the next Stand Down & Employment Expo on September 17, 2027.

Hornets strong. Veterans stronger. Together, it all matters.

With deep respect and solidarity,