Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mel Williams, George Washington University’s associate provost for military and veterans affairs, accepted an award from Mission Complete Wednesday night in acknowledgment of GW’s record of service to the veteran and military communities.

George Washington University’s Veterans Accelerate Learning Opportunity (GW VALOR), which coordinates the several university offices that help military members, veterans, and their families succeed at GW, received an inaugural Vetty Award from Mission Complete Wednesday night in acknowledgment of its record of service to the veteran and military communities.

The GW VALOR team helps veteran and military students network, navigate their benefits and find jobs or scholarships.

Vice Admiral (Ret.) Mel Williams, GW’s associate provost for military and veterans affairs, accepted the award at Lisner Auditorium.

“It’s a true honor and very unexpected,” Adm. Williams said. “We accept this award on behalf of the more than 1,500 students who are helped by GW VALOR in honor of their service and sacrifice.”

In an interview, Victoria Pridemore, associate director of military and student services, said GW Valor’s work is “a labor of love.”

“Any time an outside organization recognizes that, it’s very humbling and gratifying,” she said.