November 11, 2024
Pearl River Community College honored the courage, resilience, and commitment of the nation’s veterans through programs on the Forrest County and Poplarville Campuses. At FCC, Army veteran Rashan Foxworth reminded attendees of the price of freedom, while in Poplarville, Brigadier General Berry L. McCormick offered a historical perspective on the significance of Veterans Day. Both events provided powerful reflections on the meaning of service, unity, and the legacy of sacrifice that veterans impart to our communities.
Veterans Celebration at Forrest County Campus
Rashan Foxworth told students and others attending the Veterans Day observance last week (Nov. 7) at the Forrest County Campus of Pearl River Community College the value of freedom and the price it demands are what’s important.
Foxworth, PRCC instructor in the Commercial and Residential Construction class at the FCC, served in the United States Army for eight years.
“Today is not just a day for us, but a day for every American,” said Foxworth. “It is a reminder of the strength that lies within our communities when we come together to support those who have given so much.
“It is a day to remember the freedom that is a dream. It is earned through the service and sacrifice of millions who came before us. And those who continue to serve. To my fellow veterans, I say thank you for your service.”
Foxworth went on to say that the service has given him a level of honor, discipline, knowledge, and courage that he still cherishes to this day.
“Your service matters, your sacrifice matters – both seen and unseen and it helped shape the nation’s history and its future,” Foxworth went on to say.
“Let’s honor those who have served and let’s remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.”
Foxworth has a strong history at PRCC.
“PRCC has a very special place in my heart because it has given me a chance to achieve five associate degrees in electrical technology, biomed equipment, repair industrial electronics and electronics as well as air conditioning and refrigeration.”
Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President of the Forrest County Campus, welcomed those in attendance. The Hattiesburg High School Tiger Tones sang the National Anthem.
Honoring Veterans on the Poplarville Campus
Students, faculty, staff, and community members gathered for a delicious breakfast in the West Dining Hall on Veterans Day. After reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Ashley Edwards, Vice President of the Student Government Association. Executive Vice President for Student Services Dr. Jeff Long greeted attendees with a few words to set the stage for the featured speaker, Brigadier General Berry L. McCormick.
Assistant to the President for Special Projects and retired Colonel John “Hoss” Ladner provided the formal introduction of his colleague and friend, McCormick.
A Carriere native, McCormick attended PRCC from 1987 – 1989. During the spring of his freshman year, he enlisted in the Mississippi Air National Guard with the promise of a $2000 signing bonus, $68 a month in take-home pay from drill, and $110.00 for the GI Bill.
“It was quite a tidy sum for a young fellow,” said McCormick. “I’m not proud to say I did it partly for the money, but it’s the truth. In the end, though, it was true love – I stayed for the next 36 years.”
McCormick provided a brief history on the origins of Veterans Day along with thoughts about the continued importance and influence of our veterans. This was tied to a mention of the Peloponnesian War and how the citizens of Melos, an island in the Aegean Sea with strong ties to Sparta were overrun during the conflict. The Athenians chastised the Melians who sought to remain neutral, telling them the strong do what they will and the weak suffer what they must.
“It is good for us to take the time to honor our veterans because they are the key ingredient that makes the American military strong,” said McCormick. “And in today’s world, strength is what we need.
“We should only use our military as a last resort and avoid unnecessary wars. Our veterans are obliged to hold our public servants to account; to ensure that our strength is not squandered aimlessly.”
McCormick finally commented on the importance of the day and the willingness of the institution to value a celebration like the ones held at both campuses.
“Pearl River hosting this annual breakfast is a testament to the value of the institution,” said McCormick. “As we see colleges and universities around the country casting off tradition for the latest whims circulating in the zeitgeist, Pearl River has managed to maintain a dignity of purpose even as it looks to prepare the next generation for our future.”
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Article by Chuck Abadie and Laura O’Neill. Photography by Kaitlyn Jones, Laura O’Neill and River Roderick.
