November 6, 2019

The public is invited to join students and faculty at East Mississippi Community College’s Scooba and Golden Triangle campuses in paying tribute to the nation’s military.

“God Bless America Day” will take place Monday, Nov. 11, on Veterans Day beginning at 12:15 p.m. in the Chapel of the Pines on the Scooba campus. The Golden Triangle campus will host “Proud to be an American” Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the Lyceum Auditorium beginning at 10 a.m.

Area veterans are encouraged to attend.

Scooba campus

EMCC students will take an active role in honoring the nation’s veterans during “God Bless America Day.”

“I think it is important our young people show support for our veterans,” said EMCC Chapel Coordinator Mary “Ms. M” Smith, who is the event organizer.

During the event, EMCC students Chase Griffith and Kelley Williams will share their thoughts on “Why patriotism is important in America.”

The EMCC Reflections Singers will lead the audience in the singing of “God Bless America” and will perform “A Tribute to the Armed Services,” a medley that includes the official songs/hymns of each of the U.S. military branches.

“The veterans will stand when the chorus for their branch is sung,” Smith said.

Audrianna Randle will sing the national anthem.

Mississippi House District 45 Rep. Michael Ted Evans, whose service area includes Kemper, Lauderdale, Neshoba and Winston counties, will be the guest speaker.

Events in the Chapel of the Pines will conclude with a performance by EMCC employee Chuck Luke, who will sing an original patriotic song he wrote. Lunch will be served afterwards in the Orr Center for Christian Activity.

“This is an opportunity for those of us at EMCC to let our veterans know how appreciative we are of them,” EMCC Dean of Students Tony Montgomery said.

Golden Triangle campus

The Golden Triangle campus will pay special tribute to medical military personnel during the annual “Proud to be an American” event.

EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks will provide the welcome and EMCC Vice President of the Golden Triangle Campus Dr. Paul Miller will introduce guest speaker Lt. Col. Christopher Kelly, who serves as the Chief Nurse Executive for the 14^th Medical Group at Columbus Air Force Base.

Kelly serves as the commander’s senior advisor on nursing service operations and clinical practice for all officer, enlisted, civilian and contract nursing personnel within the Military Treatment Facility in providing quality care for 4,000 beneficiaries, according to his U.S. Air Force biography. In addition, he serves as the Chief of Education and Training, supervising and directing all educational and staff development programs within the 14^th Medical Group.

“We are really excited Lt. Col. Kelly is joining us this year,” EMCC Dean of Students Dr. Melanie Sanders said. “Military medicine has been an integral component of our U.S. Armed Forces throughout our nation’s history and this year we wanted to take the opportunity to recognize the contributions of the men and women charged with the wellbeing of service members.”

Student Government Association President Belle Ferrebee, Vice President Sarah Robertson and Secretary/Treasurer Peter Seo will help officiate.

The EMCC Golden Triangle Choir will perform the “Star Spangled Banner” and “Salute to the Armed Forces” and members of the Noxubee County High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps will present the colors.

The event will conclude with the singing of “America the Beautiful.”

“We want to invite everyone to come out and take part in our annual tribute to veterans,” Sanders said.