How UCF Students Are Giving Back Through Soldiers’ Angels
September 6, 2025
At the University of Central Florida (UCF), students are making a difference through volunteering. Recently, the student organization KnightsFuel volunteered with Soldiers’ Angels at our Military & Veteran Mobile Food Distribution event. The experience highlighted the impact students can make when they come together in service.
KnightsFuel: Promoting Health and Compassion Through Service
Founded by a small group of UCF students, KnightsFuel was created with a mission rooted in nutrition, wellness, and service.
“We recognized a growing need for college students to get involved in outreach efforts that promote both physical health and compassion,” shared Timothy, a UCF student and one of the creators of KnightsFuel. “We believe that food is more than just sustenance—it’s a tool for healing and connection.”
That mission made the partnership with Soldiers’ Angels a natural fit. After learning about our work with Veterans to end food insecurity, the students joined a food distribution event. There, they helped hand out fresh produce to Veterans and their families.
“It was such a great experience being able to give back to Veterans,” Timothy said. “We made some great connections while volunteering, and it honestly made me so happy to be able to give back to people who fought for our country. It’s the least we could do to show our appreciation.”
The group sees this as only the beginning. KnightsFuel plans to continue supporting Soldiers’ Angels and expanding its outreach efforts. Through their commitment to blending health, service, and compassion, the students are showing that their impact can be far-reaching.
A Campus Committed to Military Connected Students
Furthermore, student organizations like KnightsFuel are creating their own paths of service. They’re also supported by the UCF Office of Military and Veteran Student Success. The Center plays an essential role in connecting students to opportunities that benefit the military community.
Mike Kepner, Director of the Center, explains, “The mission of the Office of Military and Veteran Student Success is to foster an inclusive and supportive environment that empowers military-connected students to achieve their academic and career goals. We focus on delivering world-class services, programming, and resources tailored to the unique needs of military students at UCF. Through strong community partnerships—such as our collaboration with Soldiers’ Angels—our students also engage in meaningful service, supporting Veterans and military families throughout the local community.”
The Center partners with Soldiers’ Angels throughout the year, volunteering biannually at Military & Veteran Food Distribution events and collaborating on the annual UCF Month of the Military Child Family Funday. For students, these experiences go beyond volunteer hours, they provide purpose, belonging, and connection
“Volunteering strengthens their connection to the local Veteran community, builds meaningful relationships, and reinforces the values of service and camaraderie many of our students hold dear,” Kepner explained. “It also enhances personal and professional growth, offering students a deeper understanding of the needs and experiences of Veterans beyond the classroom.”
A Call to Students Everywhere
The collaboration between KnightsFuel, the Military and Veteran Student Success Center, and Soldiers’ Angels shows what can happen when students unite around a shared purpose. By giving a little time and energy, they’re making a difference in the lives of those who served our country.
And, the impact doesn’t have to stop at UCF. Student organizations and individuals across the country can get involved with Soldiers’ Angels through various initiatives, including food distributions, care packages, and letter writing. Every effort helps ensure that no Service Member or Veteran goes unloved.
If you’re ready to make an impact, learn how you can get involved at SoldiersAngels.org.
About the Author
Dallas Green served in the U.S. Air Force for 5 years. She began her journey with Soldiers’ Angels as a SkillBridge Marketing Intern and now continues to support their mission as a Veteran Intern while pursuing her bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University.
