MCC to honor veterans with Nov. 11 program, Military Week activities
Meridian Community College will honor the nation’s veterans with a Veterans Day program at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, in McCain Theater, highlighting a week of activities recognizing military service and sacrifice.
Navy Capt. Nathan K. Moore, commanding officer of Naval Air Station Meridian, will be the featured speaker. MCC President Tom Huebner will introduce Moore.
Capt. Moore serves as the air station’s 28th commanding officer. A 2001 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, he has held leadership positions at sea and ashore, including commanding officer of Helicopter Training Squadron 28 and navigator aboard the USS Ronald Reagan. Before arriving in Meridian, he served at NATO’s Allied Maritime Command, supporting major joint exercises.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and a master’s degree from the Naval War College. He has logged more than 3,200 flight hours, and his military honors include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals and the Air Medal.
The program will include a Roll of Honor, inviting veterans and their families to stand during a patriotic tribute. MCC’s choral group Dimensions and the MCC Rock Band, under the direction of Lydia Brand, will perform.
Military Week activities, scheduled for Nov. 9-13, will offer additional opportunities to recognize veterans, support military families and remember those serving away from home.
A veteran-themed art show will be on display throughout the week in the L.O. Todd/Billy C. Beal Student Success Center. The exhibit will feature artwork exploring military service, patriotism, sacrifice, remembrance, military families, and the meaning of service. Participation is open to artists with or without military connections.
On Monday, Nov. 9, Purple-Up Day will encourage participants to wear purple in support of military families. Tuesday, Nov. 10, will mark Veteran Suicide Awareness Day, raising awareness and showing support for those who have served.
The week will conclude with Red Friday on Friday, Nov. 13. Participants are encouraged to wear red to remember military personnel deployed or stationed away from home.
MCC will also recognize its employee veterans: Michael Acord, Edward Boudreaux, Tim Cole, Timothy Dearman, Trey Fox, Alex Schimelpfening, Jacob Williams and Dawn Wright during the week as well.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/military.