WINTER HAVEN, FL — Polk State College honored military service members and veterans Tuesday, November 10, during a Veterans Day ceremony at its Winter Haven Campus, coinciding with the 251st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps.
According to a press release from Polk State College, the event featured keynote speaker Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
Hartsell, a retired Marine Corps Major General who served 37 years, spoke about the sacrifices made by military personnel to protect the nation’s freedoms.
During the ceremony, Hartsell presented an FDVA Challenge Coin to Aracely Rivera, an active-duty Air Force member and Polk State student.
Air Force veteran and nursing student Matthew Malott also addressed attendees, highlighting the camaraderie and shared purpose among students and faculty.
Polk State supports more than 400 military-connected students and family members annually and holds the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation.
The ceremony took place inside the Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery, which features the Our Flag in American Art exhibit. Lakeland-based Mission BBQ provided complimentary food for students and veterans attending the celebration. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK STATE COLLEGE
