Anoka-Ramsey honors veteran’s in multiple events

A color guard presenting the colors (shown) was part of the closing event at the end of a weeklong series of events held at Anoka-Ramsey Community College to honor its growing number of veteran students.

November 15, 2016

In an effort to show their appreciation to the growing number of veterans and veteran family members on its campuses, Anoka-Ramsey Community College held multiple events intended to honor their service to the country.

 “As our veteran, active service member and military family populations continue to grow on campus, it’s important for the campus community to thank those who have raised their hand to serve and those who have supported that decision,” said Jeff Pool, college veterans advisor.

 Veteran, Tegan Griffith spoke at both campuses on Monday, Nov. 7 about her experience coming home after the war and the difficult process of transitioning back into civilian life.

 The film Darkness and Light was showcased at both campuses on Tuesday, Nov. 8 and Thursday, Nov. 10. This motion picture is a documentary featuring conversations with eleven wounded veterans, focusing on love and recognizing that veterans are humans first.

 To conclude the series of Veteran’s day events, a Veteran’s Day Celebration was held at the Coon Rapids Campus on Wednesday, Nov 9. During the commemoration, a color guard presented the colors, two guests spoke about their experience with the veteran community and the college’s choir sang the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.

 The college was closed on Veteran’s Day, allowing students, faculty and staff to celebrate the holiday.

 “A lot of the time the veteran population doesn’t like to be recognized and shy away from the spotlight, but through these events we hope to show them that they are an important part of our college community and that we appreciate all that they have sacrificed,” said Pool.

For more information about Anoka-Ramsey Community College and services available to veterans visit: AnokaRamsey.edu/resources/veterans-services/