NIC honors veterans

NIC celebrated and honored Veterans Day through a week of veteran’s appreciation which involved a series of activites held for all veterans. The college held two luncheons for veteran staff and students as well as a presentation about Orange Heart: Legacy of Agent Orange where the effects of Agent Orange on the military in Vietnam were discussed.

Many realize that Veterans Day is to honor our veterans, but few realize the true historical significance of Veterans day.  Veteran’s Day originated as Armistice Day and marked the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the month.  In 1938, it was made a federal holiday for all.  

After World War II Congress realized a need to expand on the meaning of the day to recognize all of our veterans and not just those who served in WWI.  By 1954, the name of the holiday replaced the word “Armistice” with “Veteran’s” as a way to formally include all veterans of all American wars.  It is celebrated to remember those who have served, those who have fallen and those who continue to serve today.

A commemorative luncheon was held in the Edminster Student Union Building’s Lake Coeur d’ Alene room on Nov. 10.  It began with the Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard performing in opening ceremonial duties. As they marched to the front of the room, the North Idaho College Music Department singers sang the National Anthem.  

Clark Brubaker lead the student veterans and Staff in a moment of silence, and spoke of POW/MIA and remembering United States military personnel taken as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action.  Attendents then all raised their glasses in remembrance them.

Although NIC president Richard MacLennan, whom spent sometime in the military himself, was unable to attend the final veteran’s luncheon, a video was presented with president MacLennan giving opening remarks and thanking veterans for their service.

The room then sang “The Hills of Montezuma” for the United States Marine Corps’ birthday before commencing to lunch, which was provided by food services. They served lasagne, Caesar salad, bread and birthday cake in celebration of the United States Marine Corps.

“North Idaho College has been doing the Veteran’s Appreciation Week for about 5 years now,” said NIC’s Veteran Advisor, Carl George. “The college is committed to serving and assisting in the success of active and former military members, guard and reservists as well as military dependents.”

The college also has the Vet Center, known to some veterans as the “vet cave,” as it is located on the lower level of the Student Union Building.  While there, Veterans can study, visit, drink coffee and even get assistance from George who has an open door policy for veterans, and whose office is conveniently located inside the Vet Center. Veterans can also bring in their service animals, as they are always welcome on North Idaho College campus.  

Returning veterans who attend NIC can be given lots of guidance through using their GI/Bill and additional benefits.  Veterans Coordinator, Kecia Siegal, provides excellent service in helping veterans through the process at the registrar’s office located on the first floor of Lee Kildow Hall.  

Both George and Siegal were in attendance at the luncheon Nov. 10, and are available for questions.

Whether a veteran attending college is a full-time, part-time or returning student, Veteran’s Services are available for their benefit.