Skip to main content

College News

Northeast observes Veterans Day

Northeast observes Veterans Day

NORFOLK, NE – Students, faculty and staff at Northeast Community College came together on Monday to pay tribute to veterans of the United States military. Approximately 150 people filled the College’s Cox Activities Center Theatre for a Veterans Day program, sponsored by the Northeast Student Veterans Organization (SVO).

Joel Goodwater, president of the Northeast SVO, was as the featured speaker. He served seven years in the U.S. Army Reserve as a military police officer with the rank of sergeant, with three of those years as a protective services agent.

During Monday’s program, Goodwater spoke of his service when he was stationed at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba; Kabul, Afghanistan; and Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, along with many stateside locations.

“The opportunities that my military service has given me have been just phenomenal. I have met so many good people and have been to so many amazing places. I have experienced things that I would have not experienced otherwise without joining (the military).”

He expressed his appreciation to all of those who have put on the uniform to defend the nation.

“I just want to show how much gratitude I have for all of the veterans, especially those here in the room, and all of our supporters. It’s because of all of you that I am proud to be an American.”

Goodwater completed an associate of science degree from Northeast Community College this past summer and is currently pursuing an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Administration from Northeast and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Finance from Wayne State College. 

The Veterans Day program also included a 13-minute Virtual Wall of Honor video that displayed the images of Northeast employees and students and members of their family in their uniforms when they served.

At Monday’s program, the Northeast brass ensemble, under the director of Kevin McLouth, director of instrumental studies, and members of the Northeast Chorus and Show Choir, under the direction of Stewart Cramer, director of vocal activities, performed. 

The Northeast Mass Media – Broadcasting program, under the direction of Brian Anderson, instructor, broadcast the program live. A recording of the program may be viewed online at https://team1sports.com/northeastcc/.

To also observe Veterans Day, the SVO created a military uniform display in the College Welcome Center that was on exhibition through November 12. The display included uniforms worn by current military students, awards and memorabilia they have earned, and photos and biographies of these students.

Northeast’s food-service provider, Chartwells is accepting donations for the SVO at its location in the College Welcome Center. The SVO uses these donations to purchase gifts for needy families. 



                                                                               --###--           

 

PHOTO ID: Joel Goodwater.