American veterans honored on OK Hero Day

By Jenny Bell, News Writing Student

Oklahoma Heroes Day was held Nov. 12 in celebration of Americas Veterans.

The ceremony was held in the Main Building atrium and was open to all.

The Armed Forces Medley was played to initiate the start of the ceremony. Jennifer Akpabio, events coordinator of The Leadership Counsel, led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Marion Paden, vice president for Enrollment and Student Services, gave the welcome and said the ceremony was to “honor the courage and selflessness” of America’s Veterans.

Paden then introduced Sgt. Chris Stewart Veteran as well as OCCC student and chairman of TLC.

Stewart took the stand and proceeded to talk about his time spent in Iraq. He was sent out to Iraq in March 2003 and spent two years there.

He talked about things such as water, food, and sleep, which, he said, are all taken for granted and should be considered privileges.

Stewart said trials the soldiers constantly faced while in Iraq were sleeping in a truck for four months, and rationing two bottles of water a day, one to drink and one to shower with.

After Stewart finished speaking, OCCC President Paul Sechrist, spoke to give a college perspective on the Veterans. He talked about the honor devoted to those who defend the nation.

Sechrist said the purpose for the ceremony was to thank them for their willingness, and for their incredible service.

He then asked everyone for a moment of silence devoted to the veterans.

Paden closed the ceremony by talking about Leadership Oklahoma, a three-day event she participated in that showed a group of women a typical day of a U.S. soldier.

The soldiers she met while she was there asked two things of citizens: Get the word out that they are getting the job done with pride, and to thank a soldier or veteran for their hard work.