MAC_Honors_Veterans

Every year about this time, Verden Neubrand of Bonne Terre puts on the uniform he wore for 22 years and remembers what he did for his country. Monday at Mineral Area College, students and faculty remembered, too as they took part in a ceremony to honor veterans.

Neubrand, now 88, served in World War II and Korea. He wore the uniform he was wearing when he retired from the Army in October of 1965.

“I was 21 years old when I was drafted,” he explained. “I was with the Combat Engineers in the Army. Mines and booby traps were what we were all about. Then, I spent 18 months in Korea where the temperature was 28 degrees below zero.”

He had been to the MAC ceremony before. He will go to others, too, he said, that honor those who served and mark Veterans Day which is Sunday.

MAC Trustee Elvin Sikes wore his Air Force uniform, as he did from 1951-1971.

“I think it’s good to honor the veterans — to show respect,” he said. “They seem to be among the forgotten few.”

Student Government representative Becky Politte read the names of the conflicts aloud.

World War II.

Korea.

Vietnam.

Desert Storm.

Iraq.

A veteran from each conflict raised his or her hand. Then, the crowd applauded. The MAC Choir sang “Star Spangled Banner” and “America The Beautiful.”

Chris Schmitt, director of the MAC Law Enforcement Academy and captain in the Missouri National Guard for 14 years, offered a salute to his fellow veterans who rose to return the salute.

“It is an honor and a privilege to wear a uniform,” he said.

James Millstead is a veteran and a student in the MAC Law Enforcement Academy who said he followed his father and his grandfather into the military, as well as three uncles.

“We celebrate Veterans Day to honor those who put our safety before themselves,” he said. “It should be a day to remember those who have lived and laughed with us and did not return.”

Miles Ellis told the crowd that “being a veteran is being on the good side of good versus evil,” he said. “We make sure the American Dream is a lasting and personal thing. I feel I have an obligation to those who have served before me.”

MAC student Ashley Harris, 19, heard all the tributes and said, “I believe what the veterans did was very good and we should remember them.”

Kelsey Politte, 19, Park Hills, said her dad and her grandparents are veterans. And one of her friends is in the Air Force and stationed in Germany.

“He’s coming home soon. Since he got in, I’ve really been thinking about what they do for us,” she said.

Student Government President DeDe Prater read an essay by Farmington High School Junior Angie Turner called, “Freedom — It’s More Than Just a Word.”

““One day, I too may give my life, just as our veterans have, to defend the honor and the freedom that many have so bravely fought and continue to fight for today. I will join the military,” Turner wrote. “Every veteran will forever inspire me to reach for my goals and to do whatever it takes to accomplish them. They have given me hope for what the United States of American can accomplish as long as people are willing to serve.”

The Veterans Day ceremony held in the concourse of the Arts and Science Building is an annual event hosted by the MAC Student Government Association.

Donna Hickman is a reporter for the Daily Journal. Contact her at 431-2010, ext. 138 or at dhickman@dailyjournalonline.com.