CU-Mansfield honors service during annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon

MANSFIELD, Pa. (11/06/2026) — Commonwealth University-Mansfield honored the service of students, employees, alumni and the local community during its annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at North Manser Hall on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The event, which is supported by donors, was open to all veterans and supporters at no cost.

Dr. Jonathan Rothermel, associate professor of political science and Marine Corps veteran, was the special guest speaker for the luncheon. Rothermel served between 1990-96 with the India Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division based in Reading, Pa.

In January 1991, Rothermel was activated for the Gulf War and assigned to a casualty replacement company at Camp Pendleton in California as his unit had already deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of Operation Desert Shield. During his service with India Battery, he provided communications support for Fire Direction and Control (FDC) operations and Forward Observers (FO). He also led the communications platoon, helping ensure reliable communications in support of unit operations. He was honorably discharged in 1996 with the rank of E-5 Sergeant.

Rothermel currently serves as the faculty advisor for the Mansfield campus Student Veterans Organization.

"I have the deepest respect for those who have performed extraordinary acts of valor, but the truth is that most of us who've served have never earned the Silver Star, the Distinguished Service Cross or certainly not the Medal of Honor," said Rothermel in his speech. "But, that doesn't mean we should honor their service any less. The U.S. Military stands on the shoulders of millions of military veterans who quietly and effectively did their jobs, both during times of peace and in times of war."

During the luncheon, recipients of the Mansfield Military Scholarship were announced. This year's scholarship recipients are:

Two local veterans were also honored for their significant service to the community.

Robert E. Dalton, a retired teacher and local businessman, joined the National Guard in 1950 following his high school graduation before his unit was activated and federalized into the U.S. Army. Dalton served active duty during the Korean War where he served as a Sergeant in the 176th Field Artillery Battalion as a forward observer. Upon his discharge, he utilized the G.I. Bill to earn his undergraduate degree from Bloomsburg before earning a graduate degree from Mansfield.

Tim Cleveland's 35 years of service include time in the Army Reserve, the Air Force Reserve and the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. Retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant, he served as a passenger service supervisor and training supervisor and deployed several times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan). Following his military career, Cleveland served as the director of Tioga County Veterans Affairs for 22 years. In this role, he was instrumental in improving and expanding county and state benefits for Tioga County veterans and their families. Cleveland retired from that role in October 2026.

The annual luncheon was made possible by the following supporters: American Legion Post 49 - Troy, American Legion Post 283 - Sayre, VFW Post 6757 - Mansfield, VFW Post 8730 - Blossburg, VFW Post 5020 - Osceola Mills, VFW Post 6753 - Knoxville, Special Occasions Florists, Lori Cass, Partners in Progress, Cathy Martin, Tiffany and Jason Welch, Joe Maresco, CU Military and Veterans Resources and the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation.

The Tioga County Honor Guard presented the colors to begin the event, followed by the National Anthem performed by Calyton Purcell, a sophomore music education major at Mansfield. Roger Maisner, Mansfield professor emeritus and coordinator of military and veteran affairs, was the master of ceremonies.

To support the annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon and scholarships for student veterans at Mansfield, gifts can be made through the Mansfield University Mountaineer Foundation (MUMF) at mountaineerfdn.org or by calling 888-305-6505.

Media Attachments

Dr. Jonathan Rothermel, associate professor of political science and Marine Corps veteran, served as the special guest speaker for Mansfield's Veterans Appreciation Luncheon.

Tim Cleveland, recently retired director of Tioga County veterans affairs, was honored at the luncheon.

Robert E. Dalton, a retired teacher and local businessman who served during the Korean War, was honored for his service to his country and community at the luncheon.