Matt Gallagher, Army Veteran and Author, visits SBU

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Laurel Scheinfeld

On October 4th, Matt Gallagher spent the day at Stony Brook University. He was invited here by the University Libraries to help us show our appreciation for the Veterans on our campus and spark conversations between veterans and non-veterans. The day began with a tour of the Long Island State Veterans Home led by the Executive Director of LISVH, Mr. Fred Sganga. A “Heroes Luncheon” followed the tour during which Veteran students, faculty and staff members along with several residents of the LISVH had the opportunity to spend time talking with Mr. Gallagher and enjoying each other’s company. Next we headed over to the Central Reading Room of the Melville Library where Mr. Gallagher read several of his essays related to his experiences serving in the US Army in Iraq. This part of the day was open to the entire campus community. He discussed how important it is that all of us, soldiers and civilians alike, feel free to engage in conversations and writing about war. The audience responded with thoughtful questions and observations. This day was made possible by a Presidential mini-grant for departmental diversity. The grant will also fund a new collection of books at the University Libraries which will include military memoirs as well as books about health care for veterans, and transitioning to civilian and student life.