During Veterans Week (November 7th to November 15th), the Univeristy of Michigan will host the Veterans of Color Symposium and Reception, to recognize and reflect on the experiences and contributions of Veterans of Color. The symposium will include a panel of Veterans of Color, a keynote speaker, and a reception. The symposium and reception is being planned in conjunction with the university's Veterans Week Planning Committee and is being supported and sponsored by the Association of Black Professional Faculty Administrators and Staff and the Office of Multi-Ethnic Student Affairs. The Veterans of Color Symposium and Reception will take place on Thursday, November 12th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Michigan Union Anderson Room.




The Keynote speaker for the symposium will be (retired) General William A. Henderson. General Henderson was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and currently resides in Ypsilanti, Michigan. During his years of service, General Henderson was with the 3rd Marine Air Wing in Chu Lai, South Vietnam. He flew 125 combat missions over South Vietnam, Laos and North Vietnam. General Henderson also served as an air controller with the 1st Marine Division in Da Nang, and with the Naval Air Reserve Facility in Cherry Point, North Carolina as an F-4 check pilot, and as an F-4 instructor pilot. After leaving active duty, General Henderson served with the 127th Tactical Fighter Wing at Selfridge ANG Base in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, where he piloted F-100s and A-7s. He later served as commander of the Michigan Air National Guard Headquarters. He was promoted to major general in 1996. After his military service, General Henderson was employed by General Motors Corp. as a professional corporate pilot and director of flight operations. General Henderson was enshrined into the Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame on May 19, 2012.