Pepperdine Honors Generations of Service at Annual Veterans Day Luncheon

Pepperdine University’s Veteran Affairs and Office of the President hosted its annual Veterans Day Luncheon to honor and salute generations of selfless sacrifice by members of our nation who answered the call to military service. Held at the president and first lady’s residence on the Malibu campus, the afternoon brought together staff, alumni, faculty, students, and friends of the University to hear keynote remarks from Joe Ramirez (MBA ’11), Pepperdine Graziadio Business School alumnus and United States Marine Corps veteran who has forged media companies to advance veterans’ voices.  

The afternoon also provided a special opportunity to present James Shirk, a 100-year-old World War II veteran, with a replacement Purple Heart after his original medal was lost in the Woolsey fire.

Ramirez speaking about his professional career and service in the Palisades fire

In this celebratory year marking the nation's 250^th anniversary, Eric Leshinsky, retired Air Force colonel and director of Student Veteran Affairs at Pepperdine, opened with reflections on the enduring significance of military service by our nation’s men and women.

“Today we celebrate and honor those who answer their nation's call to defend and protect our country, our Constitution, our way of life, serving in lands both near and far, and now back in civilian lives.” Leshinsky continued, “We celebrate more than 250 years of citizens willing to bear arms, to earn independence, to preserve it and defend it.” 

Amid tables of veterans, their families, and members of the Pepperdine community, Ramirez began his remarks with a question. “What comes to mind when you hear of an American veteran?” Throughout his talk, Ramirez challenged the audience to consider how veterans are represented in the public eye. He described a tendency to portray veterans in extremes, either “zero or a hero,” while overlooking the many who return to everyday civilian life and build successful careers and families. 

As CEO of the National Entertainment Awards Academy for Military and Veterans and chair and CEO of VetStreamTV, a streaming platform created for veterans, active-duty military members, their families, and supporters, Ramirez has made elevating veteran voices a central part of his professional mission. After speaking with representatives from some of the world's largest entertainment studios, he recognized an opportunity to invest in veteran stories and expand their representation in the industry. Through these initiatives, he hopes to create greater opportunities for veterans in media and entertainment while sharing stories that reflect the breadth of their experiences.

“Part of my calling is to adjust the perception of what veterans are,” says Ramirez. “Veterans are some of the best storytellers, and we’re going to have to change the narrative ourselves.” 

Veterans in attendance

Ramirez then reflected on his service as leader of American Legion Post 283, an organization dedicated to the welfare of veterans and active-duty personnel, located in the Pacific Palisades. In 2025, one of the most significant disasters in Los Angeles history, the Palisades Fire, swept through both open hills and residential areas—and Ramirez jumped to action. Under Ramirez’s leadership, Post 283 coordinated relief efforts for affected residents, providing essentials like clothing and toiletries to families who had lost their homes. Additionally, Post 283 established the Long-Term Recovery Group that coordinated efforts to build free homes for families devastated by the fires. 

“There were a few of us going in the opposite direction—into the fire,” Ramirez said. “But that’s what the veteran does; the veteran instinctively goes into action.”

As an alumnus of Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Ramirez also shared the joy to return to his alma mater, while also expressing, “Pepperdine taught me high-level thinking. It taught me to take a high-level strategic overview, while affirming my morals and values." 

In a poignant moment of the event’s proceedings, Leshinsky presented Shirk with his new Purple Heart, while sharing how Shirk entered into the Navy in 1944 at only 17 years old. Within a year the Greatest Generation soldier found himself off the coast of France, part of the invasion of Normandy, the largest amphibious and seaboard invasion in military history. For injuries sustained during combat, Shirk was awarded a Purple Heart that perished along with his entire home during the Woolsey Fire. Today Leshinsky was honored to present Shirk with a new medal. 

Leshinsky (right) presents Shirk (left) with a new Purple Heart

Within his remarks provost Jay Brewster honored veterans across all corners of the University, while mentioning various scholarships and tuition assistance through the Yellow Ribbon program, as well as mentorship opportunities designed to help veterans navigate their collegiate experiences and prepare for success beyond graduation.

“We are so proud to have faculty and staff that are veterans. They bless this university,” says Brewster. “They elevate this University. They are critical to the health of this institution. So thank you. I hope you hear us clearly today, as we celebrate that impact.”

The program included a presentation of colors representing all branches of the United States Armed Forces and a performance of the national anthem by Gabriel Moorer, a Seaver College student and Navy veteran. Seaver student Michael Harwood, who plans to commission into the United States Space Force in 2028, carried a flag for the aformentioned military brach while represented another generation of Pepperdine students preparing to serve their country.

In solemn observance of the thousands of Americans who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action, the event continued its tradition of dedicating an empty chair and a moment of silence for all those affected, a proceeding led by student veterans Madison Springer and Michael Barsella. 

Echoing Brewster’s sentiments, Tim Perrin, senior vice president for strategic implementation, closed the event by expressing appreciation for the veterans and members of the Pepperdine community in attendance. Leshinsky additionally offered closing remarks, while inviting all to attend a special veterans appreciation men’s basketball game on January 9, 2027, at the brand new Waves Arena at The Mountain at Mullin Park. 

“Words are inadequate to express our thanks,” Perrin said to each veteran in the audience. “Please accept our sincere appreciation for your service in the way that you represent us and the way you continue in your community to serve.”

Learn more about the University’s veteran initiatives on the Pepperdine Veteran Affairs website.