Veterans Day—Tri-Rivers Serves Those Who Served
A foggy morning with many area weather delays didn’t stop Veterans and their families from attending Tri-Rivers “Services For Those Who Served” Veterans Day event, coordinated by the Social Studies Department.
“Veterans arrived early for coffee in the C.C. Bistro before taking tours and visiting labs where services were provided to these individuals who have given so much to their country for our freedom,” said Heather Jenkins, social studies instructor and one of the event coordinators.
Olivia Mueller of Digital Media and Entertainment prepares to print the portraits of Veteran Jim Gaston, his wife, Nancy and their dog, Zoe.
The services provided included: lawn mower repair and chainsaw sharpening in Ag & Industrial Power; computer check-ups in the Computer Networking Electronics (CNET); wash and waxing of vehicles in Auto Technologies; portraits in Digital Media & Entertainment; health checks in Healthcare Professionals; haircuts in Cosmetology, pet grooming in Veterinary Science, lunch in Culinary Arts and throughout the building students were creating cards and displays to thank veterans. RAMTEC students (Welding, Engineering, Advanced Machining) designed items paying tribute to Veterans and Construction Technologies built a bench that Veterans had a chance to win.
Army Veterans Raymond Hall of Marion and Albert Swalley of Lewis Center pose with their portraits taken in Digital Media and Entertainment during Tri-Rivers “Services For Those Who Served” event.
“Our students and staff were truly humbled to provide these services to area veterans,” said Brent Gentkowski, social studies instructor. “We owe these men and women of the armed forces tremendous gratitude for our freedom.”
“I think we may use our portrait as for our Christmas cards this year,” said Nancy Gaston, wife of Army Veteran Jim Gaston of Prospect. Along with having their portrait taken in Digital Media & Entertainment, the Gastons enjoyed lunch, had their vehicle washed and waxed, and their dog Zoe was groomed by Veterinary Science students.
Karen Winders, Tri-Rivers warehouse assistant, escorts her friend and veteran, Bill Graham, around the Career Center during “Services For Those Who Served.
Tri-Rivers Warehouse Assistant Karen Winders invited her friend and veteran, Bill Graham. “Bill was totally appreciative. He loves coming here. I want to thank our Social Studies Department and all of the students and staff who participated. I know the Veterans I talked to are looking forward to next year.”
Grover Miller of Marion, Army Veteran, gets a haircut by Tri-Rivers Senior Cosmetology student Chantell Low.
Jenkins said with the success of this year’s event, the Social Studies Department plans to create an even bigger and better Services For Those Who Served event for next year’s Veterans Day. “We can never thank our Veterans enough, but we want to try to express our gratitude and never take for granted the sacrifices they have made.”
For more information, contact Ellen Messenger, director of communications for Tri-Rivers,
