by Kelly Rogge
Students, staff and faculty members at Kansas City Kansas Community College had the opportunity to share their military experience during the annual Veterans Speak event Nov. 10.
Among the guest speakers were Sarah E. Finney, U.S. Army; Alex Hanley, U.S. Air Force; Diane Hite, U.S. Marine Corps; Ruben Noguera, U.S. Marine Corps and Cherilee Walker, U.S. Navy. The event served as a way for the KCKCC community to honor those who have served in the military.
“In this age of ISIS terrorism, fear and kidnapping of innocent school girls, we must not forget the services of the great men and women who sacrifice their lives in order that we might have a more secured and better future,” said Ewa Unoke, associate professor of political science at KCKCC. “This year’s turnout was very impressive. In total, there were an estimated 80 students, faculty and staff members who participated.”
Each of the panelists took a few moments to share their experiences in the military. Introductions were followed by questions from Unoke, who served as moderator, as well as some questions from the audience. Among those who attended were KCKCC students, faculty and staff members.
“Many of the students at KCKCC are veterans, and it is important to give them an opportunity to be showcased on Veterans Day,” said Joseph Grasela, reference librarian at KCKCC and co-organizer of the event. “It is important for their fellow students to see that they are just like them, trying to improve their lives and advance now that they are no longer in the service.”
Grasela said by having an event such as Veterans Speak, it gives students and staff an opportunity to show appreciation for those who served their country.
“We are very thankful to all faculty who supported the event,” he said. “We hope the students in the audience took away an appreciation for the sacrifices that the veteran speakers made for them. We also hope that the veterans had an opportunity to be showcased and realize just how valuable their contributions to our country were, no matter how large or small.”
The event was sponsored by the Students for Global Peace, the Ralph Bunche Society, the Intercultural Center and the KCKCC Library. For more information about Veterans Speak, contact Dr. Ewa Unoke at 913-288-7119 or by email at [email protected]. Information is also available by contacting Joseph Grasela at 913-288-7650 or by email at [email protected].
Kelly Rogge is the public information supervisor at KCKCC.
