Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Veteran's Day Marked At CCCUA

All three campuses of Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas marked Veteran’s Day Wednesday with observances near the noon hour.

At De Queen, Vice Chancellor Steve Cole noted that CCCUA has been named one of the most ‘military friendly’ schools in the country. “We offer a 50% tuition discount for all military personnel and their families, which is something very few other schools offer,” he said. The discount applies to active, reserve and retired military personnel, their spouses and children.

Cheyenne Kutak, daughter of Automotive Service Instructor Mark Kutak, both of whom have served in the U.S. Army, led the Pledge of Allegiance. The younger Kutak has seen two tours of duty in Iraq.

County Judge Dick Tallman addressed the assembly of about 75 students, faculty, staff, and veterans from the community. Tallman is a 21-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He spoke of the sacrifices made not only by service people, but by their families, in the form of missed anniversaries, graduations and other significant milestones. “When you think about our soldiers, think about their dependents and the sacrifices they make as well,” said Tallman.

In introducing the next speaker, Cole noted that the state has approved a new license plate design which will honor veterans.

Michael Wright, who is on the College’s Math faculty and saw a tour of duty in Vietnam, read from prepared remarks. He said, “The most powerful asset we have to protect freedom are the men and women in uniform who swore to defend our Constitution ... Let us hold our nation’s veterans in our hearts every day.”

A moment of silence was held to honor those who have given their lives in the country’s defense.

In concluding the ceremony, Cole asked the eleven people in the audience who had served in the military to come forward for a public acknowledgement of their service.

On the College’s Howard County campus, an observance was held at 11:30 with Dr. Adriane Robinson, who is an instructor and a Veteran opening the observance by leading the Pledge of Allegiance.  Rose Ray, Director of the Howard County Campus, recognized the veterans in attendance.  A Veterans’ Day Video Tribute was then shown, commemorating Howard County Veterans.