MCC honors service, sacrifice at Veterans Day program
Meridian Community College paid tribute to the men and women who have served in the country’s Armed Forces during its annual Veterans Day Program held in the McCain Theater for both campus and community.
The program featured Lt. Col. Charles Schellbach, 186th Operations Group Commander at Key Field Air National Guard Base, as the keynote speaker. In his remarks, Lt. Col. Schellbach spoke about how service begins anywhere, with small acts of kindness, community involvement, and the daily choices that shape how people impact others.
“Today is about remembering what service means, not just in uniform but in life,” Lt. Col. Schellbach said. “Service takes many forms - teaching, volunteering, building, leading, or simply being the kind of citizen who makes your community stronger.”
Lt. Col. Schellbach has served in the Air National Guard since 1996; his family’s military history spans generations, with his grandfather serving in World War II and his father in Vietnam. Reflecting on their influence, he said, “They both believed in something bigger than themselves in duty, honor, and country.” That same sense of purpose guides Lt. Col. Schellbach.
He encouraged MCC students to see themselves as the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. “The future of our country rests in your hands,” he said. “Freedom isn’t an accident — it’s the result of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things. Not because they wanted recognition, but because they believed in protecting what we all share.”
Veterans Day, he said, “is about honoring peace and honoring those who stood watch to preserve that.”
The ceremony also included a welcome from MCC student Mar’Sha Coleman and musical performances by the MCC Dimensions, who sang “We Say Thank You.” Mitch Brantley, MCC guitar instructor and division chair of Communications and Fine Arts, presented the Roll of Honor through a special guitar presentation.
MCC President Dr. Tom Huebner said the annual Veterans Day program serves as a reminder of the college’s deep respect for those who serve. “May we never forget the price of freedom, and may we always strive to be worthy of it,” he said.
The Veterans Day program is one of several events slated for a week honoring veterans. Other events include a concert, veteran-themed awareness days, a luncheon, and an art show.
For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/military.