The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Students who served in armed forces honored at NCCC
WINSTED — Student veterans at Northwestern Connecticut Community College were honored Friday, and each received flags marking their service and commendations from state legislators.
Representatives of the school’s chapter of the Phi Theta Kappa presented the flags, representing branches of the United States Armed Forces, to members of the NCCC Veterans’ Club.
State Rep. Jay Case, R-Winchester, Rep. Brian Ohler, R-North Canaan, and Rep. Michelle Cook, D-Torrington, also offered a proclamation marking the occasion on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly.
“We will continue to honor our veterans today, and for the years to come,” said Case. “We thank you for your selfless service to our great country.”
Cory Joseph, president of the Veterans’ Club, and Kirsten Appell, the president of the Alpha Nu Epsilon Phi Theta Kappa chapter, also spoke during the event Friday.
Joseph thanked advisers and PTK during his remarks, and said that the club had given him a home on campus.
“I believe this is merely the beginning of our next big step in life — facilitating our assimilation back into society while simultaneously empowering us to achieve as well as contribute,” said Joseph. “I am hoping and looking forward to seeing this club develop both in company, as well as distinction, (and) become an asset not only to the veterans, but to the college as a whole. I believe today represents the dawn of that hope.”
Appell said the club was thrilled to be able to reorganize the newlyformed club and provide them with representations of their service.
“Hopefully, this event will be a catalyst for a wider discussion about the role of veterans on our campus,” said Appel. “I encourage members of the veterans community here on campus to continue sharing their experiences with others, and I encourage others to listen and learn from what veterans have to share.”
The event Friday was held in the Veteran’s Oasis at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, located in the Robert White building behind Founders Hall.
The Oasis is “a place for veterans and reservists to come together through the common bonds of serving our country,” “(l)ending support to one another as they re-enter civilian life at Northwestern Connecticut Community College,” according to the college.