Linn State Technical College held a special ceremony Wednesday, November 11, to honor local, student, faculty and staff veterans.  The LSTC Veteran’s Club sponsored the event.

The ceremony began with the “The Star-Spangled Banner” sung by LSTC employee, Kristan Hassler and Electrical Distribution Systems student, Adam Smith.  Staff Sergeant Dwight McDonald served as the guest speaker.  He shared stories from Vietnam and spoke about military friendships.  He also discussed the importance of veteran organizations and how beneficial they are to veterans.

“As a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a wife of an Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran, I especially felt touched and moved by the event,” stated Cheryl Probst, LSTC Networking Systems Technology Instructor and LSTC Veteran’s Club Advisor.  “Mr. McDonald’s experience happened over 30 years ago but yet his comments on friendship, memories and challenges hold true with the new Veterans.”

McDonald entered the Marine Corps in 1971 and was promoted meritoriously several times.  During his military career he reported to Saigon, Republic of Vietnam for duty as a part of the US Ambassador’s bodyguard detail.  He escorted the Ambassador out when the United States withdrew the last troops from the Republic of Vietnam and was one of the last Marines to leave.

McDonald is currently a member of Post 5 American Legion and Chapter 5’s American Legion Riders of Jefferson City.  He is also a past Commandant of the Central Missouri Detachment – Marine Corps League.  His awards and declarations include the Marine Security Guard Battalion Ribbon, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal, Humanitarian Award Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation and Marine Expeditionary Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and Naval Achievement Medal.

“The LSTC’s Veterans Group was created in August 2008 to assist Veteran’s with their transition into College Life.  Commonly referred as ‘From Combat to College’.     The new GI Bill will allow many new Veterans the opportunities for college and therefore this institution is readying itself for an increased student Veteran population,” added Probst.  “The support this institution shows during Veteran’s Day celebration is indicative to the support LSTC Veteran’s receive on a daily basis.  My personal thanks goes to the Dr. Claycomb for the Patriotic atmosphere present and to all Veterans and their families for their service.”

Veterans also enjoyed a free meal sponsored by the Student Government Association in appreciation for their service.  The LSTC Mainstream Café served 77 veterans, ATC served 9, 39 of which were LSTC’s student, faculty and staff veterans.