Veterans honored at 7 events in all 5 MGA cities
Author: Bill Weaver
Posted: Wednesday, November 12, 2014 6:36 PM
Categories:
Pressroom | Students | Faculty/Staff
Macon, GA
Ceremonies or events were held on all 5 of the college’s campuses – two events in Dublin, one each in Macon, Cochran, Eastman and Warner Robins – as well as one additional ceremony in downtown Macon.
Macon
Fair skies and warm temperatures greeted those who attended an outdoor event held at the World War I monument on Coleman Hill in downtown Macon. MGA President Christopher Blake was joined by Macon-Bibb County Mayor Robert Reichert in speaking about veterans to an audience of about 40 people.
The Police Honor Guard, consisting of campus police officers, presented the U.S. and state flags, followed by remarks from Reichert, who served his country as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam. Dr. Blake then spoke about a WWI unit of machine gunners, many of whom were from Macon. The monument that served as a backdrop for the ceremony is dedicated to that unit.
Dee Lindsey, director of Student Life at the college, gave two readings, and Blake and Reichert both placed wreaths at the monument, followed by a minute of silent reflection. Blake then presented Reichert with a “challenge coin” created by the college to honor the service of veterans. Such coins are often given to members of a military unit and serve as proof of membership in that unit if the holder’s identity is challenged.
Macon Campus
Later in the day, a Veteran’s Day program was held on the Macon Campus. Terry Hamilton, who directs the college’s testing services, was the speaker. He talked about his experience in the Air Force and how the college needs to be adaptable for students who are veterans to best serve their needs.
President Blake also attended this program and spoke about his appreciation for all veterans. Vice President for Student Affairs Jennifer Brannon read an email from Dr. David Snow, Director of Military Affairs with the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia, and Dr. Blake presented each veteran -- students and staff -- with a challenge coin. Refreshments were served after the program.
Dublin Campus
Two events were held at the Dublin Campus.
The Dublin Campus Political Science Department sponsored a program in the Student Center, which was decorated with American flags. Each veteran who was present was asked by a representative from the Bibb County Sheriff’s Department to give their military branch affiliation, years of service and their mission.
A P.O.W. /M.I.A. remembrance ceremony was conducted by the American Legion Post 17. It held significance because veterans realize families are looking for closure to bring their loved one’s remains home.
The guest speaker, introduced by retired Navy veteran student Mark Johnson, was Frank Jordan, who is also retired from the Navy. Another element of the program was called Women in Transition, in which students Yolanda Rhyne and Jacqueline Scott, who both served in the military, told of the challenges that have transpired in their home life. They also spoke about making the transition as students to MGA.
A panel discussion also was held on post-traumatic stress syndrome. Many veterans who were present said they appreciated the information as it told them of resources that exist in the local community to assist them. A luncheon concluded the science department’s event.
The second program at the Dublin Campus (photo accompanying this article shows four attendees at that program) was an “Honoring Our Vets” ceremony that consisted of a picture presentation and musical tribute, followed by refreshments. All guests also received a yellow ribbon to pin to their shirts, and all veteran students were presented with a challenge coin as a personal keepsake.
Cochran Campus
The Cochran Campus hosted a ceremony in Alderman Hall. Anthony Margiotta from the VA hospital in Dublin discussed the facility’s outreach program for veterans in rural areas. Many veterans, particularly those in rural areas, are not aware of the benefits and services available for them.
The ceremony, which was attended by about 30 students, faculty, staff and community members, also featured a “Table of the Fallen Veteran,” which commemorates the service and sacrifice of military men and women.
Eastman Campus
Students, faculty and staff came out to hear remarks from Gil Calhoun, the college’s risk management officer, who talked about what it means to be a veteran. He said we need to have more conversations every day, not just on Veterans Day, about our veterans and how we can help them adjust to normal life once they return home from serving their country.
A second speaker was Charles Mack, Chief Petty Officer with the Navy. He gave a riveting account of his experiences in the service and why he chose to serve his country. A group photo of all veterans present was taken and each received a challenge coin.
Russell Spivey, MGA Eastman Librarian and a veteran, played “To The Colors” and “Taps” on his bugle as the Dodge County High School JROTC presented and retrieved the colors.
Warner Robins Campus
The Warner Robins campus hosted a “Thank A Veteran” poster board competition in which students had the opportunity to draw or make something to thank a veteran. In addition, a reception was held in which veterans could enjoy refreshments while each pinpointed their various duty stations on a world map. Staff also gave out U.S flag key chains and pens to those who attended.