University of Illinois ROTC members made up the color guard that opened and closed for a Parkland College Veterans Day ceremony held at the campus’s Flag Lounge.
Veterans from all five branches of the armed forces were recognized, and students and staff present held a moment of silence.
The keynote speaker was veterans advocate “Mowhawk Man.” Mowhawk Man, who did not reveal his real name to attendees or The Daily Illini, is a supporter of the armed forces and a Ludlow, Ill., resident. He has spent 22 years on the road, crossing the country to raise money for veteran causes and appear at events.
During his speech, Mowhawk Man, who said he was inspired by his adoptive father’s service in the Vietnam War, voiced support for current and former members of the armed forces. He also praised veterans who are pursuing college degrees because he said they are continuing to serve their country by attaining a higher education. Mohawk Man also said the nonveteran backers of the military have a valued role to play.
“With a simple smile and handshake, you make these veterans’ lives a better place,” he said. “With a simple thank you, you make them feel like their service is not in vain.”
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Kristina Taylor, coordinator of veterans and military personnel student services at Parkland College, said about 350 student veterans attend Parkland who benefit from GI Bill or state armed forces education benefits.
“It’s nice to have a ceremony to recognize veterans,” she said. “Often, they go unnoticed. People are surprised about how many we have.”
Jeff Cox, Vietnam veteran and Parkland professor in computer science and information technology, also praised the event.
“It was very nice to honor our veterans,” Cox said. “It’s not always been that way in our country.”
Annette Dalton, of Fisher, Ill., is the sister of a fallen soldier and was also a guest at the commemoration. Her brother, Christopher Rudzinski, was killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009. Dalton said such events let her know that her brother’s memory continues to be honored.
“It’s like when they play taps — it’s hard to listen anymore,” she said.
Ilya can be reached at [email protected].
Editor’s note: A previous version of the caption for the photo of Jose Gomez posted with this story stated that Gomez was a veteran and president of the Student Veterans Association at Parkland. Gomez is still serving, and is a former president of Student Veterans at Parkland. The new caption has been corrected. The Daily Illini regrets the errors.
