SAN MARCOS (Nov. 1, 2013) – At their October meeting, the Palomar College Governing Board officially proclaimed Nov. 11-15, 2013 as Veterans Week at Palomar College. The Veterans Services Office (VSO) has planned a number of events for that week and the week before, including a public ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 7 at noon in the lawn area near the Veterans Memorial.
The program for the Nov. 7 ceremony will include an introduction by Ryan Williams, a U.S. Navy veteran who is a Veterans Services Technician in the VSO; remarks by Palomar College Superintendent/President Robert P. Deegan; comments by Guest Speaker William Beath CW04, U.S. Marine Corps; and a poetry reading by veteran students and staff of “I am a Veteran” by Andrea C. Brett. In addition, the Marine Wing Support Squadron 373 Color Guard will present the Parade of Colors, the Navy Band Southwest Brass Quintet will perform the National Anthem, flag dedications will be presented by Jessica Horn, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Veterans Services Technician in the VSO, and the clock tower bells will chime once for each name on the Veterans Memorial.
The Student Veterans Organization (SVO) is conducting a fundraising drive prior to the Nov. 7 ceremony. Collected funds will be donated to Veterans Village of San Diego, an organization that helps local veterans in need of assistance. Flags bearing the names of specific veterans or service members may be purchased for two dollars each. The flags will be placed on the lawn for display during the Veterans Day ceremony. Donations of care package items are also being collected. Those who wish to contribute may bring donations to the SVO, the Veterans Resource Center, or a booth which will be set up on the Student Union patio Nov. 4 – 6 to collect all donations. In addition to money, care package items being accepted include baby wipes, soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, books, magazines, iTunes cards, phone cards, writing materials, envelopes, and small snacks.
Veterans will be honored throughout the week of Nov. 11 -15 at Palomar College. The College will be closed on Nov. 11 in honor of the national Veterans Day holiday. On Nov. 12, veterans will be served free coffee and given Palomar College Veteran Strong Bracelets near the Student Union. On Nov. 13, veterans will also be given the Veteran Strong bracelets, plus representatives from the San Marcos Vet Center will be at a booth on the Student Union patio sharing information about VA benefits including VA healthcare. On Nov. 14, a Hoop It Up for Heroes informal basketball game will be held in the Student Union quad. On Nov. 15, a Veterans softball game will take place on the Palomar softball field. Those wanting to participate in the game may sign up in the Veterans Resource Center as both veterans and non-veterans are welcome. Donations for the care packages will also be accepted throughout the week at the booth on the Student Union patio.
For more information about Palomar College’s Veterans’ Services, go tohttp://www.palomar.edu/veterans/.
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CONTACT:
Melinda Finn, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150, ext. 2365
Laura Gropen, Public Affairs Office, 760-744-1150, ext. 2152
Ryan Williams, Veterans’ Services Office, 760-744-1150, ext. 2175