Branson Veterans of America 913 host the Veterans Week Opening Ceremony at College of the Ozarks Patriots Park to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country.

College of the Ozarks celebrated Veterans Day with special events Nov. 5-12 to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The events included an opening ceremony, a POW/MIA remembrance service, and a Veterans Sunrise Service.  

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m., Branson Veterans of America 913 hosted the Veterans Week Opening Ceremony at College of the Ozarks Patriots Park.

Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks, receives a proclamation from Larry Milton, Branson Missouri mayor, declaring Branson, Missouri “The Most Patriotic City in America.”

The ceremony included a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; a posting of the colors by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard; a reading of proclamation by Larry Milton, Branson Missouri mayor; a Missouri Vietnam memorial story by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, president emeritus College of the Ozarks; a keynote address by Brigadier General James Schreffler; and a wreath laying ceremony and rifle volley by the Branson Veterans of America 913 honor guard.

Veterans from all branches of the military and civilians of the Branson and College community gather for the Veterans Week Opening Ceremony with reverence and gratitude.

“Today is special in that we begin a week of camaraderie and gratitude, a week in which we celebrate those brave men and women, those quiet heroes, many sitting amongst us here today, who heeded the call, put on the uniform, and defended the flag of the United States and everything it stands for,” Schreffler said. “As we embark on this week of celebration and remembrance, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude. Let us express our appreciation not only in words, but through our actions, by volunteering, supporting veteran organizations and being present for those who have given so much.”

POW Veteran picks up a pin and bracelet to honor and remember those who have not yet come home.

On Friday, Nov. 8, from 8-9 a.m., POW/MIA Network hosted a POW/MIA Remembrance Service in the Welcome Center at the College of the Ozarks.

The College and POW/MIA Network honors local POW/MIA Veterans in attendance at the remembrance service.

The ceremony included stories of remembrance and honored POW/MIA Veterans. Mary Schantag, POW Network chairman, gave opening remarks and honored POW/MIA families and dignitaries; Jeanne Cooper, POW Network registered agent and widow of Richard Cooper, USAF Cuban Missile Crisis Veteran; and attendees shared memories. The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer, the bell tolls, and Taps.

Keynote speaker, Governor Elect Mike Kehoe, addresses attendees during the Veterans Sunrise Service at the Alumni Veterans Memorial.

On Monday, Nov. 11, at 7 a.m., College of the Ozarks hosted a Veterans Sunrise Service at the Alumni Veterans Memorial.

The Bobcat GOLD officer candidates lead the firing volley salute.

The ceremony included a welcome by Captain Andrew Ashley, instructor of military science and captain in the Missouri Army National Guard; firing of the cannon, flag raising, and “Reveille” by the Bobcat GOLD officer candidates; opening remarks by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; introduction of speaker by Brigadier General James Shreffler, vice president for patriotic activities; keynote remarks by Mike Kehoe, Missouri governor elect; laying of the wreath by Kehoe and Johnson; firing volley salute by the Bobcat GOLD officer candidates; “Taps” by Sargeant Major Robert Smither (Ret.), adjunct professor of music, and Kevin Powers, assistant professor of music and director of bands; and benediction by Dr. Justin Carswell, vice president for Christian ministries and student development.

Kehoe and Johnson participate in the Laying of the Wreath to honor C of O and S of O alumni who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

“May we never as individuals, as a state, or as a nation fail to honor them in this way,” said Kehoe. “To all those who have served, are serving, or will serve, it is my privilege to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all Missourians.”

Kehoe, Johnson, Schreffler, CPT Jamin Pyatt, instructor of military science, Chassidy Brittain, Director of Patriotic Activities, Karla Eslinger, Missouri senator and College of the Ozarks alumna and board of trustee member, and The Honorable Doyle Childers, College of the Ozarks alumna and board of trustee member, join in attendance to honor Veterans.

More About the Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks

The Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks is to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibility, love of country, and willingness to defend it.

Mrs. Rebekah Dunnam and Mrs. Ashley Exendine, assistant professor of conservation and wildlife management, fire a ceremonial cannon in honor of their husbands, Chaplain (CPT) Caleb Dunnam and SGT Michael Exendine, deployed to the Middle East with the 1140th Engineer Battalion of the Missouri Army National Guard. Both serve as College of the Ozarks employees.

The Patriotic Education Travel Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to accompany Veterans back to the battlefields where they served. The program’s mission is to educate students about the sacrifices of American soldiers, so their stories will never be forgotten. Veterans Grove at Patriots Park consists of more than 130 sugar maple trees that honor Veterans who have traveled with the program.