Veterans Celebration

Andrea Byerly
Monday, November 13, 2023 12:00 AM
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CLEVELAND, TN - Cleveland State Community College hosted a Veterans Celebration on Monday, Nov. 13. Over 100 college and community members attended the event to honor active military personnel and veterans who have served our country.

Two veterans were recognized at the celebration. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff Monroe was named the Veteran of the Year. Monroe will be graduating from Cleveland State in December with a major of Electrical Engineering Technology. Air Force Sergeant Rick Monroe received the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Chancellor’s Coin. Monroe is not only a faculty member but also a mentor to students at Cleveland State. 

The celebration started with a wreath-laying event at the flagpole followed by a Cleveland High School Air Force ROTC color guard presenting our nation's colors. In honor of all veterans, the students arranged a Marine Corps cake-cutting ceremony. A reception followed the ceremony.

Kim Allin, CSCC Veteran’s Services Coordinator, stated, “We cannot forget as a nation what our veterans do for us to maintain our freedoms and protect us from those that would like to destroy those freedoms. Today, we celebrate those that sign a blank check with no expiration date and without knowing the sacrifice they will endure to protect us.”

Photo Cutline: Pictured left to right: Marine Corps Sergeant Nathan Westfield, 2022 TBR Chancellor’s Coin recipient; Dr. Ray Brooks, Cleveland State Interim President; Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeff Monroe, Veteran of the Year; Kim Allin, Cleveland State Veteran’s Services Coordinator; Air Force Sergeant Rick Monroe, 2023 TBR Chancellor’s Coin recipient.