It was an evening of remembrance, community, and camaraderie at Tacoma Community College's (TCC) 3rd Annual Veteran's Recognition Ceremony on Feb. 21.
Sponsored by the TCC Veteran's Club, in partnership with Student Life and Activities, and CASA/MESA, the event brought together veterans enrolled at TCC and their families and friends, along with college staff and community leaders to honor their and others' military service and look toward the future.
After a warm introduction and welcome from Valerie Robertson, dean of TCC's Student Development, the Woodrow Wilson High School JROTC Color Guard posted the colors and conducted the national anthem, followed by a rifle demonstration.
After the student demonstration, TCC Veteran's Club President Jeff Sacherer led a moving and poignant Prisoner of War/Missing in Action remembrance ceremony. The ceremony acknowledged the love, respect and endearment of POW/MIA Servicemembers from current and past wars. A special scene was created with symbols that marked the remembrance, followed by the playing of "Taps."
The event's keynote speaker was Vice Commander Chuck Worten of the Pierce County American Veterans (AMVETS), an organization that began on college campuses.
Worten expressed the organization's gratitude to the veterans on hand, noting that they "share a bond of common experience." He represented the 7,000 AMVETS statewide that honored student veterans that night.
"We, as a vet organization, are here to support you and advocate for you to get the benefits and privileges that you earned through your blood, sweat and tears," Worton said.
He also praised the veteran students for their educational efforts.
Sacherer returned to the podium to share the history and significance of military recognition coins. These coins were used by branches of the armed services to recognize Servicemembers in the past and are still used today. TCC had a special coin created to honor veterans in the TCC community. Along with the special coin, student veteran attendees received a special certificate that acknowledges them and their military service, and recognizes them as a valued part of the TCC community.
Sacherer, along with incoming Veterans Club President Joshua Peters, presented the coins and certificates.
While the Veteran's Recognition Ceremony is a key highlight of the club's efforts on campus, it's only one of the many activities the TCC Veteran's Club takes on. The club is also active in community service projects, and during the 2012-2013 school year, it honored veterans on Veteran's Day with a "Thank a Vet Program" that gives students, faculty and staff an opportunity to honor and thank veterans for their service by creating colorful poster boards and placing them around campus. The club has also helped organize veteran's resource fairs; participated in the Toys for Tots campaign with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve; assisted VetCorps representatives during health fairs; assisted at local area food drives; and recently completed a Valentine's Day card project for veterans at American Lake Hospital.
In addition to club fundraising events, members hope to participate in a local Habitat for Humanity project this spring or summer.
The club, originally started by a couple of TCC veteran students, has blossomed to a much larger active member club, with 75 students currently on the email distribution list.
To participate, club members must be enrolled at TCC. The club is open to veterans, active duty Servicemembers, spouses, dependents, friends or any enrolled student who would like to be a member.
If you meet the eligibility requirement and would like to join, simply send an email stating your interest to Jeff Sacherer at JSacherer46827@tacomacc.edu or stop by an upcoming meeting. Meetings are held Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. in in the Senate Room in building 11. Interested parties can also call the school's Veterans Service Office at (253) 566-5081 or Student Life at (253) 566-5118.
For more information about TCC's Veteran Services, call the number noted above or visit www.tacomacc.edu/gettingstarted/veterans/. For more information about TCC programs in general, visit www.tacomacc.edu/.
