Partnership of patriotism
PennWest pays tribute to veterans at annual celebration
Patriotism is a partnership of those who serve and those who support the ones who serve.
Those were the words Tuesday of James Martin “Marty” Coode, the keynote speaker at PennWest California’s 52nd annual Veterans Day celebration, held in the school’s Convocation Center.
“We’re here about patriotism today,” he said. “Most people are patriots. It is a partnership between veterans and nonveterans. It is a partnership between civilians and active duty. When they say, ‘Thank you for your service Marty,’ I say thank you for your service, because you keep the faith with the veterans.”
Coode is a 1998 California University graduate and U.S. Marine Corps veteran. After graduating from Carmichaels Junior Senior High School, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1980 at age 17 and served with Marine ground forces in Guam and later in Beirut, Lebanon. He was honorably discharged in 1983.
“Today is about the veterans,” Coode said. “We’re not men or women. We’re not gay or straight. We’re not white or Black. We’re not Republicans or Democrats. We’re all American citizens, and we’re here to quietly and succinctly recognize the veterans, most of whom have volunteered.
“Everybody who wants to suit up, should be able to suit up,” he continued. “It’s your right as an American citizen to serve your country as you want, including joining the military. There should be no disqualifier for gender, sex, sexual preference. There’s space out there for everybody.”
Following his military service, Coode earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the California campus, graduating magna cum laude, and went on to support fellow veterans as a peer support specialist with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Coode grew up in a military family. He, along with his three brothers, served, as well as his father, Dr. Thomas H. Coode, a former Cal U. professor, along with his five brothers.
While at California, Marty Coode received many academic awards including the Arthur M. Bakewell Veteran’s Scholarship in 1985. Coode referred to his time at Cal U. as “the best time in my life.
“I remember going to the Legion, which is gone now, and just listening to the World War II veterans,” he recalled. “I just sat there and listened to them tell stories. Those were really the best years of my life. I’ve always had something for this town.”
Coode’s professional journey included work in education, addiction recovery and veterans services. He said his story is not complete without mentioning alcoholism.
“I was with the Marine Corps and the CIA,” Coode said. “No, not that CIA, the Catholic Irish Alcoholics. It defines my life as much as anything else.”
After achieving sobriety in 1999, he dedicated his career to helping others overcome substance abuse disorders, serving as a counselor, educator and advocating for veterans.
“He’s right,” said Dr. Susan Rutledge, professor of middle/secondary education and U.S. Army veteran who served as master of ceremonies for the event. “It is truly a community effort between what we do in the service and what you all do in the community to support us.”
Ava Pizii, of West Chester, was awarded the 41st Col. Arthur L. Bakewell Scholarship, which is awarded to a veteran who demonstrates a high level of academic achievement and service to the community.
The scholarship has been presented at the school’s annual Veterans Day celebration since 1984. Made possible through the Veterans Scholarship Fund 500 Club, the scholarship honors the memory of Bakewell, the campus’ first director of military affairs.
From 2024 to 2025, Pizii served in Guantanamo Bay in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Pizii, 21, is a junior at PennWest California, majoring in criminal justice and criminology with a concentration on forensic investigation and cyber forensics. Upon graduation, she hopes to attend the Pennsylvania State Police Academy.
There also was an unoccupied table set aside in honor of fallen and missing members of the service.
“The chair is empty, they are no longer with us,” Rutledge said while explaining each detail of the table. “The lighted candle reflects our hope for their return, alive or dead.”
PennWest President Dr. John Anderson signed a proclamation designating this week as Military and Veterans Appreciation Week at Pennsylvania Western University.
“With this proclamation, we honor the extraordinary sacrifices of veterans and military families – and we also recognize the important role they play in the future of PennWest,” Anderson said. “Their courage, resilience and experience enrich our university every day, and our commitment to supporting them extends well beyond this week of recognition.”