Published September 10, 2026

CAPTION: ULM student volunteers wash a plane at Chennault Aviation and Military Museum as part of Operation Warhawk Service for 9/11 Day on September 9, 2026.  

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MONROE, La. - The University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) was selected to receive funding through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program, administered by the nonprofit 9/11 Day in collaboration with AmeriCorps. The 9/11 Day Grant Program is a $3 million grant program to help fund service projects by and for students, the funding of which is being provided by AmeriCorps. 

As the nation marks the 25th Anniversary of September 11th, ULM joined the national movement to transform the day into America’s Day of Doing Good through its project, Operation Warhawk Service for 9/11 Day, in partnership with the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum (CAMM).  

On Wednesday, September 9, over 75 volunteers, including ULM faculty, staff, and students, as well as participants from AmeriCorps and First West Baptist Church, gathered at the museum to help prepare the grounds for CAMM’s annual 9/11 memorial ceremony, which will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, September 11, at 701 Kansas Lane in Monroe. The event is free and open to the public.  

Volunteers worked throughout the day in two-hour shifts, helping clean the inside of the museum as well as the exterior walkways and siding. Several ULM students spent time washing the many historic airplanes that sit on the grounds of the museum.  

Operation Warhawk Service for 9/11 Day was organized by ULM Associate Professor of Political Science, Dr. Leigh Hersey, who learned of the grant opportunity last year and decided to see how ULM could get involved in the nationwide project.  

“It was an honor to coordinate Operation Warhawk Service for 9/11 Day. Seeing our students, employees, and community come together in service reminded me of the strength and compassion that define ULM and our region,” said Hersey.  

In addition to the work done at the museum, participants from ULM also wrote over 200 cards of appreciation to be distributed to veterans by CAMM.  

“It’s the least we can do to come out, pour back into the community, and help them out in this community service event where we’re helping clean the planes and help prepare for this ceremony that’s going to happen because it’s the 25th anniversary, so it’s pretty special,” said ULM student participant Elijah Palao.  

“I’ve been amazed at the number of students who knew about it and wanted to serve, even though they may not have even been born,” Hersey said. “So really helping make that connection for our students, showing them what we have here at the museum, and bringing that all together was really important.” 

About 9/11 Day Grant Program & AmeriCorps Support 

ULM is among a select group of organizations awarded funding through the 2026 9/11 Day Grant Program. Principal grant funding is provided by AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, in partnership with 9/11 Day. 

AmeriCorps invests in local initiatives to foster the next generation of civic-minded leaders, providing opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to address the nation’s most pressing challenges, strengthen local communities, and unite through volunteer service. 

About 9/11 DAY 

Founded in 2002, the nonprofit 9/11 Day led the successful effort to establish September 11 as a federally recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance. Each year, tens of millions of Americans observe the day by performing good deeds in honor of those who perished, were injured or sickened; the survivors; the first responders; and all who rose to serve in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Learn more at 911day.org.