UT is honoring its student and employee veterans who have received the Purple Heart decoration with a new parking pass allowing them to park in any unrestricted staff or student space on campus.
The idea for the honor came from Stephen Branum, a senior in political science who also serves as the veterans representative in the Student Government Association.
“I wanted to acknowledge in some way the service of our colleagues who put their lives on the line,” Branum said. His first idea was to designate a parking space outside Hodges Library only for Purple Heart recipients, but after researching other SEC schools and consulting with UT officials, the plan was changed to a special parking permit that can be used across campus for recipients of the military honor.
“Our veterans have given so much to their country, especially those who were wounded during their service,” said Jayetta Rogers, coordinator of UT’s Veterans Resource Center. “The benefit of this special parking permit is that it gives our wounded veterans much more flexibility in getting around campus.”
Veterans can apply for the permit at the UT Veterans Resource Center. They must submit a copy of their DD-214 indicating they have received the Purple Heart. Once approved, the application will be forwarded to Parking and Transit Services and the permit will be issued. The standard rate for parking permits will apply.
Disabled veterans who are visiting campus will be able to get a free daily permit from the Veterans Resource Center.
For more information, visit the Veterans Resource Center website.