Military Spouse and FSU Alumna Monica Vereen Named Honorary Captain at Military Appreciation Game
A Fayetteville native and proud Bronco, Vereen ‘94 will be honored Saturday as the university highlights its support for military-affiliated students and its strong partnership with Fort Bragg.
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. - When Monica Coachman Vereen ’94 was invited to serve as Honorary Captain for Fayetteville State University’s Military Appreciation Game, she was surprised. Expecting the honor meant for her husband, retired Lt. Gen. Kevin Vereen, she handed him the invitation—only for him to insist it was hers.
“I was shocked,” said Vereen. “It’s a huge deal. I’m continually amazed at how much recognition military spouses receive at Fayetteville State University … I really thought it was meant for him.”
The annual Military Appreciation Game is one of FSU’s most anticipated traditions. It is marked by displays of pride, patriotism, and the presence of military leaders and guests. Vereen will be recognized Saturday, Sept. 27, when the Broncos play against Virginia State University’s Trojans. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Luther "Nick" Jeralds Stadium.
“This day is about celebrating service, sacrifice, and the generations of military families who call Fayetteville home,” said Wesley Fountain, vice chancellor for External Affairs and Military Relations. “At Fayetteville State University, we proudly support the largest population of military-affiliated students in the UNC System, and our proximity to Fort Bragg makes that commitment part of our daily mission.”
“By honoring Mrs. Vereen, we recognize that military spouses serve in their own right,” he added. “Through resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering support. Their contributions are vital to the strength of our armed forces and community.”
A Fayetteville native and third-generation Bronco, Vereen describes herself as a natural introvert and empath. Humble and likely to listen more than talk, she is eager to learn another’s story. Yet, everything about her life story suggests she is a person of excellence, embodying FSU’s motto: “Res Non Verba,” or “Deeds Not Words.”
She is a decorated professional and actively promotes her alma mater and community. She is also a devoted military spouse, mother, and grandmother.
Vereen’s academic journey also reflects her commitment. She graduated with honors in 1994, earning a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature (non-teaching). Fayetteville State University helped shape her into the person she is today, and she credits “Dr. Booker T. Anthony and Dr. Lonnell Johnson” for shaping her academic journey.
She had other great examples of Bronco determination as well. Her late father, William R. Coachman Jr., earned a business degree from FSU after serving in the U.S. Army. Her mother, Norma Rush Campbell, was a Dean’s List student. Her paternal grandmother, Isadora W. Coachman, graduated from FSU. She went on to become one of the first Black teachers in Robeson County. Her godmother, Sylvia McMillan Parsons, is also an alumna. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins have also carried that tradition. The Coachman family is one of the university’s strongest multigenerational legacies.
After graduation, Vereen began a 28-year career in the federal government. She spent 20 years with the U.S. Postal Service, advancing to management and later working in corporate communications. Relocating for her husband’s military career, she then served as a speechwriter for the U.S. Army Cadet Command, a media relations professional with the Defense Health Agency, and is now a public affairs officer for the U.S. Department of Labor.
Amidst her professional achievements, she also speaks with love and pride about her blended family, which includes four adult children and four grandchildren, whom she affectionately calls “the lights of our lives.”
With fondness, she remembers seeing her future husband when he was a senior at Reid Ross High School and she was an admiring freshman. Later, she would graduate from E.E. Smith High School, and they would reconnect years afterward, once Kevin Vereen had been widowed. United by their love of faith, family, and country, the couple recently celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary.
As the spouse of a veteran, Vereen continues to lend her voice to military causes, mentoring Army spouses, and championing programs that support service members and their families.
Further showing her commitment to community, the Vereen’s are active members of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church and frequently participate in local and state events.
In addition to her church and community involvement, Vereen is a lifetime member of the FSU National Alumni Association and the Cumberland County Hometown Broncos Chapter. She was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. in 1997 and belongs to the Fort Liberty Area Alumnae Chapter. She also holds membership in the National Council of Negro Women, the NAACP, the Association of the United States Army, and the VFW Post 6018 Auxiliary.
As she prepares to retire by the end of the year, Vereen looks forward to taking a more active role in her family’s business, The Real Team Vereen, LLC. In addition, she plans to volunteer in the community and continue supporting Fayetteville State University, the school that taught her a great deal about life and leadership.