MCC Report

To honor those who are serving and those who have served in the nation’s military, Meridian Community College will hold its annual Veterans Day Program on Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m. in the college’s Graham Gymnasium.

The event is open to the campus and community.

The program will showcase the college’s commitment to recognizing the sacrifices of veterans and active military members, said Shaquita Hopson Alfonso, associate director of military and veterans services at MCC.

“This Veterans Day Program continues MCC’s tradition of honoring those who serve, reinforcing the college’s support for veterans among its student body, faculty and broader community,” Hopson said.

The ceremony will begin with the Presentation of Colors by the Naval Air Station Meridian Color Guard. MCC Director of Bands Christopher King will lead the audience in the National Anthem, followed by an invocation by Kristi Williamson, director for library services at MCC. The welcome address will be delivered by MCC student and U.S. Army veteran Kriston Broom, who is currently serving as an AFATDS operator.

Highlighting the event will be the keynote speech by Capt. Luke H. Davis, commanding officer of NAS Meridian. A highly decorated naval aviator, Davis brings a distinguished career spanning over two decades of service. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he earned his wings at NAS Meridian. His career includes multiple deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, strategic roles in Japan and stateside posts advancing tactical training and program management for advanced naval aviation technology.

MCC student and U.S. Navy veteran Dorcia Mayer will introduce Davis. MCC music major Payton Alexander, accompanied by MCC music faculty member Daniel Boles, will sing “God Bless America.”

Dr. Cedric Gathings, MCC vice president for student affairs and dean of students, will provide special recognition for veterans while the Roll of Honor, led by Mitch Brantley, division chair of communication and fine arts, will remember fallen heroes. The program will close with remarks from Alfonso.

For more information, visit meridiancc.edu/programs/veterans_and_military_services.