Veterans Day 2025 notebook: ‘Relationships matter.’

The annual Veterans Day ceremony on the Bloomington campus of Indiana University was a frosty affair, with a dusting of snow on the ground, and a temperature of 25F°.

Addressing the assembled Army and Air Force cadets for this year’s flag raising was guest speaker Erik Coyne, who is chancellor of Ivy Tech and a retired Air Force colonel.

Coyne led off his remarks with thank yous and a lighthearted observation: “I thought it was appropriate on such a chilly Veterans Day morning that you all get a little taste of what military life is like: You show up early, in inclement weather, and you get to listen to some officer drone on.”

When he turned serious, Coyne drew a comparison between the joint force of the U.S. military and the joint educational force of Indiana’s educational institutions. “Each military branch has its own culture, its own strength. Yet together, they form one integrated force.” Coyne continued, “IU and Ivy Tech do this for our state’s education ecosystem. We each have unique missions, but we’re united in purpose, serving Indiana, strengthening communities and preparing Hoosier students for success.”

Coyne told the cadets: “If there’s one thing I hope you remember from my remarks today, it’s this: Relationships matter.” Coyne added, “Get out, meet others, get known—because even the best technology or the most detailed plan will not succeed without trust, communication and teamwork, and those are most valuable when built before a crisis happens.”

Coyne said, “Whether you’re a cadet … or a community leader shaping policy, your success depends on how well you build, grow and sustain your relationships.”