Rowan College of South Jersey’s (RCSJ) Student Veterans of America Chapter and the County of Gloucester are proud to present the 2024 Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, Nov. 11. The celebration takes place at the Physical Education Building located on RCSJ’s Gloucester Campus. Mike Bate, who served 21 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, will share stories of his experiences in the military at this special event.  

Bate, military services administrator, RCSJ, retired from the Marines in 2018 ​after two decades of honorable service. He retired leaving a legacy of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to the Marine Corps mission and its values.  

“Throughout my career, I served with several infantry battalions, including the 1st Marine Regiment (operations chief), 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines (machine gunner), and 3rd Battalion 1st Marines (scout sniper, Platoon Sgt. and Kilo company 1stSgt),” Bate said. “My deployments spanned diverse theaters of operation including four tours in Iraq, two in Afghanistan, and additional missions across South America and Africa.” 

“These experiences,” he continued, “honed my tactical and operational expertise as well as my ability to lead Marines under the most challenging conditions.” 

In his final assignment before retiring from the military, Bate served as the senior enlisted advisor for the Special Operations Training Group at Camp Pendleton. His duties included advising senior officers and developing the next generation of Marine leaders.  

“Over the course of my career, I had the honor of leading, mentoring, and developing over 2,500 Marines at various stages of their careers, ensuring they were prepared to meet the physical, mental, and strategic demands of the Marine Corps,” Bate said.  

The distinguished military vet spoke with passion when sharing insight about the significance of Veterans Day. Bate talked about the importance of Americans understanding we all stand on the shoulders of the soldiers who laid the groundwork that allows us to enjoy the freedoms we have today.  

“These brave individuals returned home without receiving the flowers [and the] recognition they truly deserved, and they should be honored and valued every single day,” he said. “While I am deeply honored to speak [at the Veterans Day Celebration], my words are not for myself; they are for those who either cannot voice their stories or did not receive the acknowledgement they earned. It is a profound privilege to give them the praise they rightfully deserve.” 

Bate began working at RCSJ in April. His role involves assisting military personnel, veterans, and their dependents with education benefits while supporting their transition from military service to the academic environment.  

“I truly enjoy working at RCSJ,” Bate revealed. “It has been both rewarding and fulfilling.” 

“Mike’s been a godsend,” said John Ryder, director, Student Affairs & Military Services and recent recipient of the 2024 Military Friendly Veteran Champion of Higher Education award. “Our students are benefitting from his experiences and willingness to engage with them. I believe he’s an asset to our office and the College.” 

Bate expressed gratitude for the opportunity to speak at RCSJ and the County of Gloucester’s 2024 Veterans Day Celebration and wanted to share one final thought. 

“My 21 years in the Marines were among the most rewarding of my life, offering invaluable lessons that I continue to carry with me and aim to share with my son, Zachary,” he said. “Let’s remember that it’s not about the discounts. It’s about honoring the brave men and women who answered the call to serve, protecting the freedoms we enjoy.” 

For more information about Rowan College of South Jersey’s Military Services, visit RCSJ.edu/Veterans​.