SCC to host weeklong veterans celebration

Published: 10/15/2014

“Veterans Week provides an opportunity for awareness of those among us who have protected our rights and our freedoms in this country and to thank them for their service,” said Kelley Pfeiffer, SCC associate dean of student success.

Veterans Celebration
11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, College Center Gymnasium
Matthew N. Wolding, Navy veteran and current fellowship recruitment coordinator at The Mission Continues, will give the keynote address. The ceremony will include the SCC Concert Band under the direction of David Dickey, the SCC Choir under the direction of Gene Ditch, local veteran organizations and their color guards, a tribute to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address and salutes to veterans. SCC President Ron Chesbrough will welcome students, faculty, staff and community members.

During the ceremony each branch of the military will be asked to stand and be recognized. “I love to see the flags and veterans of all ages,” said Hal Berry, emeritus faculty member. “I also love hearing the song of each branch played with men and women standing with pride.”

Wolding enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a machinist mate. Most of his family served in the Navy, so he wanted to keep it a tradition and also travel the world. After he finished his specialty school he was stationed at the Naval Base San Diego. He was assigned to the USS Anchorage LSD-36. Shortly after arriving on the USS Anchorage, preparations began to go to the Persian Gulf as part of Amphibious Task Force-West, supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

After being medically discharged in 2005 due to a knee injury, Wolding moved to his hometown of Aurora, Ill., where he graduated from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration and a minor in forensic psychology. He went on to graduate from Waubonsee Community College with an associate degree in general studies and a certificate in therapeutic massage. Wolding has been involved in several organizations – Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, City of Aurora Advisory Council, Student Veterans of America and The Mission Continues. 

Veterans Week Ceremonial March
11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the flagpole outside the Learning Resource Center
Campus and community members may join the ceremonial march around campus to honor and recognize our veterans. Hosted by the Student Veteran Organization, the ceremonial march will begin near the flagpoles outside the Learning Resource Center, rain or shine. 

SCC Student Veterans Panel
Noon Wednesday, Nov. 12, auditorium of the Social Sciences Building
Hear about life from the student veteran’s perspective. All panelists are current SCC students who have served in the military.

"Where Soldiers Come From" Film
7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, auditorium of the Social Sciences Building
“Where Soldiers Come From,” a documentary by Heather Courtney, is an intimate look at the young men and women who fight our wars and the families and town they come from.

Keynote, featuring SCC students retired Sgt. Bob Pierce and Staff Sgt. Steve Watson, both of the Missouri Army National Guard
7 p.m. Thursday Nov. 13, auditorium of the Social Sciences Building
The keynote will be delivered by retired Sgt. Bob Pierce, motor transport operator of the Missouri Army National Guard, and Staff Sgt. Steve Watson, motor transport operator and assistant squad leader of the Missouri Army National Guard.

The college is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. For more information on Veterans Week events, visit stchas.edu/veteransweek. To learn more about services for veterans on campus, the Student Veteran Organization and Honoring Military Families Scholarship, contact Kylene Montgomery, SCC veteran services coordinator, at 636-922-8268.

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.