Co-Lin Simpson Center held its annual Veterans Day Breakfast for the Brave Friday, November 8, at 9 a.m. Many veterans from all branches of the military and guests enjoyed an array of sweet and savory breakfast foods.
Several Co-Lin students and staff participated in the event. Opening remarks were made by Lauren Miller, PTK advisor, while the Presentation of the Colors was led by Dr. Tim Lea and the Mississippi National Guard.
Holly Williams shared her own story as a service woman in the United States Navy and life after discharge. Williams served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
Now she is the Veterans Service Officer for Simpson County and is available on site Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Williams’ office is on the second floor of the Simpson County Courthouse in Mendenhall, and the number is (601) 847-1354. She has also made her cell number (601) 808-0213 available as she has found veterans’ needs were not being met.
A number of resources exist for veterans, and many are not aware of them or of Williams availability to them. While she says she is no counselor, “we have over 23 veterans a day committing suicide. I’m just trying to do my part.”
Vice President of Co-Lin Simpson Center, Dr. Anika Floyd closed the program with Minuteman Awards and remarks. Receiving awards this year are Marlan Jones and Staff Sergeant Matthew Morgan.
Jones served in the US Navy for six years from 2009 to 2014 as a CTN, the position now known as a Cyberwarfare Technician. He was the rank of CTN 2 or an E-5 at the time of his separation from the Navy. Jones is the publisher of the Magee Courier/Simpson County News.
Morgan has been with the Mississippi Army National Guard for 15 years and currently serves in the Recruit and Retention Battalion as the local recruiter for Simpson, Lawrence and Jefferson Davis counties.
Artwork for the event was made by students from Magee High School and Simpson Academy.
Magee General Hospital was a cosponsor of the breakfast.
