1st Battalion 22nd Infantry Washington Adventist University Memorial Bench

1st Battalion 22nd Infantry

Washington Adventist UniversityVeteran Memorial Bench 2019

On April 12, 2019 a Veteran’s Memorial Bench honoring U.S. Military Veteran-Alumni
was dedicated in a ceremony at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Maryland.
The bench was the idea of a veteran of Company C 1/22 Infantry who served with the
Battalion in Vietnam.

Washington Adventist University Memorial Bench Honors Veterans

July 02, 2019 · by rbacchus · in Washington Adventist University

Story by Washington Adventist University Staff

A year ago Charles Shyab approached President Weymouth Spence with an idea; he wanted to recognize others like himself:
Veteran alumni of Washington Adventist University, formerly known as Columbia Union College (CUC), and Washington
Missionary College (WMC) with a special commemorative piece on campus. During the 2018 Alumni and Parents Weekend,
he helped to kick off what would serve as a campaign to raise awareness and funds for a Veterans Memorial Bench.

Charles Shyab was drafted by the US Army from 1967 to 1969 and served as a Conscientious Objector Senior Medic
with the 4th Infantry Division 1/22 Battalion C Company. Most notably he served in Vietnam in the 1968 Battle of Chu Moor Mountain
near the Cambodian border. He graduated from WAU (then known as CUC) in 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

“Ever since graduating from CUC in 1970 and having passed the Gateway to Service Arch over the years, I have thought of a way
to honor the military service of my classmates and the many others who attended the school and were willing to give their all in service
to our nation,” expressed Shyab.

On April 12, during the 2019 Alumni and Parents Weekend, what was once an idea became a reality. The Office of Advancement
and Alumni hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony featuring keynote speaker US. Army Surgeon General and Commanding General
of the U.S. Army (Medical Command) Nadja West Also present were representatives from the United States Department of
Veterans Affairs, and the Comptroller of Maryland’s office, the John F. Kennedy High School NJROTC Color Guard Cadets,
and many veterans. The bench was made possible by donations from individuals and the Vietnam Veterans of America
Montgomery County Chapter.

“Our veterans have committed their lives in ways we may not all understand, shared West. “We appreciate their service
and total commitment in terms of time away from family, exposure to hardship and potential for injury and illness
that may take years to recover from.”

Article from Visitor Magazine

The Veterans Memorial Bench is dedicated at Washington Adventist University April 12, 2019.
Fourth from the left in baseball cap and gray sport coat is Charles Shyab, veteran and Combat Medic
with Company C 1/22 Infantry 1967-1968.

Next to Charles in the black suit is Weymouth Spence, President of Washington Adventist University.
In uniform is Lieutenant General Nadja Yudith West, United States Army Surgeon General and also
Commanding Officer U.S. Army Medical Command. Lieutenant General West is a veteran of
Desert Storm, Kosovo and Iraq.

Next to Lieutenant General West in the gray suit is Ronald E. Walters,
Under Secretary for Memorial Affairs U.S. Veterans Administration.

Photo courtesy of Charles Shyab

The Veterans Memorial Bench at Washington Adventist University

Photo courtesy of Charles Shyab

Members of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 641 who were part of the
dedication ceremony for the Veterans Memorial Bench at Washington Adventist University
April 12, 2019. Charles Shyab, veteran of C 1/22 Infantry is on the far left.

Photo from the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 641 website

Dedication of the Veterans Memorial Bench at Washington Adventist University

Photo courtesy of Charles Shyab

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