PRCC Hosts Veterans Day Breakfast

POPLARVILLE – The West Dining room of the Olivia Bender Cafeteria was filled to capacity for the Veterans Day breakfast hosted this morning at Pearl River Community College in Poplarville. 

Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services, welcomed all to the event, thanked all veterans, PRCC employees, students, and community members for attending and introduced the speakers. PRCC students lead the crowd in the National Anthem and Randy Henry, Utility Lineman Instructor, said the blessing. 

Retired Sergeant First Class Michael McGee, Lead Veteran's Administration Certifying Official at Southern Miss, and Retired Master Sergeant Thomas Brooks delivered the message for PRCC employees, students, and community members. 

McGee spoke about the feeling of isolation many veterans have. “There are some on your campus today, Pearl River, that feel isolated today although they are in a classroom with 20 or 30 other people.” Said McGee. He also encouraged PRCC’s student veterans to allow themselves to engage with those around them and to reach out. “You chose to make a move you chose to serve and you will never again be civilian. However, you have more things alike with them that you do different.”

“I’m honored to be here today to pay our respect to those who have served and who have sacrificed and some have given the full measure of sacrifice,” said Brooks. “I don’t think veterans did it for fame or reward. They didn’t do it for placement or rank. They did it for simple obedience to duty.” 

McGee presented Brooks with the University of Southern Mississippi’s Center for Military Veterans, Service Members and Families Challenge Coin. 

Maghan James also presented McGee with a gift of appreciation from PRCC for attending and presenting at the event. 

PRCC continues to thank all veterans and their families for their service. 

Photo by: Aleea Burge, PRCC Marketing Specialist/ Article by: Alexx Kennedy, PRCC Communications Specialist 

Pearl River Community College offers equal education and employment opportunities.  The College does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.  For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies or to request accommodations, special assistance, or alternate format publication please contact Tonia M. Seal, Director of Admissions and Records/ ADA/Civil Rights Coordinator at P.O. Box 5559, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1060 or Maghan James, Assistant Vice President of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator at P.O. Box 5805, Poplarville, MS 39470 or 601-403-1132.

Each community college president is asked to bring two (2) wrapped door prizes, minimum value of $50 each. We will have a station set up at the conference for you to drop off the door prizes.

Each community college is asked to provide name tags for their Board members, administration, and staff attending the conference.