Washington and Lee Commemorates Veterans Day

By Brian Laubscher
November 11, 2025

Washington and Lee University hosted its annual commemoration of Veterans Day at Lee House on Tuesday, Nov. 11, welcoming current and retired members of the staff, faculty and student body who have served in the military to honor fellow service members.

The event, which W&L has hosted for many years, was coordinated by Paul Youngman, interim dean of the college and professor of German, and Mark Fontenot, fire and life safety systems technician in facilities management. Together, Youngman and Fontenot oversee an employee resource group for veterans.

Those in attendance shared their experiences in the military or the experiences of family members who served and offered gratitude for the service of others. University Provost Lena Hill welcomed those in attendance to the gathering and Youngman spoke of the shared connections and bond held by those who have served.

Lumumba Shabazz, head men's soccer coach at W&L, was introduced as the event's featured speaker. Shabazz served active duty in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1993 as a combat medical specialist. He was stationed in Germany and South Korea before serving in Operation Desert Storm in Iraq.

Shabazz recounted his service journey from young recruit to traveling the world and creating strong bonds with a diverse range of individuals from all walks of life. He noted that military service creates humility and patience, while honing the problem-solving skills necessary to successfully complete any mission. Shabazz shared that he works to instill those same qualities in the athletes he works with on a daily basis at W&L.

After Shabazz's remarks, Fontenot led a closing prayer for the "gathering of heroes," followed by a reception for the veterans.

The veterans in attendance included current and retired members of the W&L staff and faculty, as well as students currently participating in the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC).

Veterans
Jerry Clark, a retired plumber from facilities management, was in the U.S. Army's 23rd Battalion, serving in Hanau, Germany, between 1970 to 1972. He was a Specialist E-4.

Anne Demsky, a relief nurse in the Lindley Center for Student Wellness, served in the U.S. Army from 1977 to 1980 as an OH58 helicopter crew chief with the 25th Combat Aviation Brigade in Stuttgart, Germany.

Mark Fontenot, fire and life safety systems technician in facilities management, served in the Virginia Air National Guard for 21 years and retired in 2008 as an E-7. As an aircraft maintenance technician crew chief, he worked on aircraft such as A-7, F-16 and F-22.

Gavin Fox, associate professor of business administration, spent two years in the U.S. Army in active duty and eight years in the Army Reserves.

Don Gaylord, research archaeologist and instructor, was a nuclear reactor operator in the U.S. Navy on the fast-attack submarine USS Key West (SNN-722) out of Norfolk, Virginia. He served for six years of active duty and was an Electronics Technician Second Class: ET2 (SS).

Jack Leeton '26L, a third-year law student, served in the Army for 14 years after graduating from Virginia Military Institute in 2014. He was a member of the 10th Mountain Division, serving as an infantry platoon leader and later was a civil affairs team leader.

Laurie Lipscomb, who is retired from the Communications Office, served in the U.S. Navy and left for Vietnam on the evening of his 21st birthday. He served in the I Corps Tactical Zone (Northern Vietnam). He came home in late 1969.

Steven D. Lyle, a fraternity custodian, was in the Army from 1978-81, serving in Bamburg, Germany, and finishing up as an E-4.

Tim MacDonnell, clinical professor of law and director of the black lung clinic, served in the U.S. Army for 21 years as a member of the air defense artillery unit and eventually with the Judge Advocate General (JAG).

Lumumba Shabazz, head men's soccer coach, served in the U.S. Army from 1989 to 1993 as a combat medic. He served in Germany and South Korea as a member of the Cottonbalers, 7th U.S. infantry, before serving with the 1st Army Division for Operation Desert Storm in the first Gulf War.

Don Stauffer, institutional effectiveness analyst in the Office of Accreditation and Institutional Research, served with the U.S. Marine Corps from 1984 to 1987 as a mechanic with the HMH-465 heavy helicopter squadron.

Bob Strong, professor of politics emeritus, was a U.S. Navy officer from 1971 to 1975, serving off the coast of Vietnam and later as a tender in Charleston, South Carolina.

Paul Youngman '87, interim dean of the college and professor of German, served in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1993. He was stationed in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East. He separated as captain of the 82nd Airborne. He is a holder of the Bronze Star with "V" device for valor in a combat zone.

ROTC Cadets
Margot Carr '27, Army ROTC
Christy Childs '26, Army ROTC
Francisca Childs '27, Army ROTC
Kylee Cross '27, Army ROTC
Claire Hutchison '27, Army ROTC
Zack Puckett '26, Army ROTC