Mississippi State University-Meridian, along with MSU’s G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans, hosted a special reception honoring members of Meridian’s military community as a way to reiterate its commitment to the men and women of the United States armed service.

 

The reception, held prior to a public performance at the MSU Riley Center by the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors on Nov. 19, was a festive way to embrace members of Meridian’s rich military community, said Andrew Rendon, MSU executive director for Veterans and Military Affairs.

 

“I’m in the Mississippi National Guard, so it’s always a pleasure to hear an Army band play, but this event is even more important,” Rendon said. “What we’re doing here in the Riley Center, in one of Mississippi State University’s premiere locations, is bringing together members of Meridian Naval Air Station and the 186th Air Refueling Wing to highlight the relationship we have and to strengthen those bonds.”

 

Attendants included Col. Cindy Smith, commander of the 186th Air Refueling Wing; Col. Joseph E. Reid; Chief Master Sergeant Blake Stanley; and retired Ret. Brad Crawford; Lt. Col. Eric “Jason” McElhenney; and Adjutant Gen. Bobby Ginn.

 

The community was treated to a free performance by the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors with traditional jazz numbers and patriotic music to backdropped photographs and stories from service members. During the performance, Vietnam Veterans seated in the audience were asked to stand so that honorary pins could be placed on their lapels.

 

“The cherry on the cake is that it’s a holiday season, so it was a great way to kick off festivities. Walking around downtown Meridian with all of its holiday décor was a wonderful way for us to get into the spirit,” Rendon said. “Clearly, whether you’re on the main campus or in Meridian, we are military-friendly and support military-connected students. This event really speaks to that.”

 

Associate Vice Provost for Health Sciences and Interim Head of Campus David Buys said MSU-Meridian as a longstanding partnership with the armed services and is considered to be a national leader in providing campus-based veteran resources.

 

“MSU currently serve more than 3,000 students who are dependents, service members and survivors,” Buys said. “Events such as this really speak to our enduring commitment to honor those who serve. We’re grateful for their presence in our community and on our campus.”

 

For more information on MSU-Meridian’s veteran’s services, visit meridian.msstate.edu/student-services/veteran-services.