For students at the University of Alabama, May is a month associated with finals, graduation and the beginning of summer. Some calendar enthusiasts may even remember Mother’s Day or Memorial Day, but few know that May is also National Military Appreciation Month.

Designated by Congress in 1999, NMAM is meant to promote awareness and support for our troops and veterans. It is a time set aside to thank active duty and retired service members of the United States Armed Forces.

Walter Turner, Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6022 in Cottondale, said the VFW strives to bring recognition to Tuscaloosa’s veterans and troops during NMAM.

“NMAM is something not a lot of people know about,” Turner said. “We try to bring attention to the general public anything and everything about our troops and veterans.”

NMAM includes Loyalty Day on May 1, VE Day on May 8, Military Spouse Appreciation Day on May 11 and Armed Forces Day on May 19. The month of appreciation culminates on May 30, with the celebration of Memorial Day.

“People think of Memorial Day as just another holiday, another day off work,” Turner said. “But it’s specifically set aside to remember those who died for our country. A lot of people don’t realize that.”

Dr. Stephen Groff, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and psychology professor at UA, views NMAM as a time to remember those who are serving and have served. His connection to the military, through his own service and the service of his family members, adds a special significance to the month of May.

“Although both my grandfather and my dad are deceased, NMAM brings them back to life, and I picture them as the young, strong and patriotic soldiers they were so many years ago,” Groff said. “Besides my family history, I also think about and pause to remember, all of the brave men and women in the armed forces who came before me and those who will serve long after I am gone from this earth.”

Many students at the University of Alabama are unaware of NMAM, but after learning about the month designated for thanking service men and women, some are more conscious of finding ways to show their gratitude.

Ashkan Byatapour, a UA graduate and founder of the Campus Veterans Association, said he hopes that students will realize the importance of this month to veterans on campus.

“I think I can safely speak for most of our [veterans] when I say that anything that raises awareness about veterans, their families, the unique issues we face and the sacrifices we make is welcomed and appropriate,” Byatapour said.

Beth Verhine, a junior majoring in public relations, was surprised to learn about NMAM and believes it shows a lack of awareness.

“I think the fact I didn’t know it was Military Appreciation Month tells you that the military is underappreciated,” Verhine said. “I’ll definitely let the veterans in my life know how much their sacrifices mean to me.”

University students can show their appreciation for veterans in numerous ways. The VFW takes donations for the Veteran Relief Fund, a program used to provide struggling Tuscaloosa veterans with financial support. There are also events that are held throughout the year that need volunteers. Students can stop by the VFW Post 6022 in Cottondale to learn more about opportunities to volunteer and donate.

Turner said, however, that the most powerful thing students can do is to say thank you to any veterans they may encounter.

“As a veteran, it means a lot to me that my comrades are recognized and people realize what they did,” Turner said. “Many went to war as one person and came back completely different, mentally and physically. Sometimes people take me by surprise, shake my hand and say, ‘Thank you for your service.’ It means a lot. It means more than they will ever know.”