(ABILENE, Texas) – Texas State Technical College honored students, faculty and staff who have served in the U.S. military during its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Industrial Technology Center in Abilene.
The event included a luncheon, gifts and a keynote message from retired U.S. Air Force Col. Michael Bob Starr. The ceremony began with the Abilene High School Air Force Junior ROTC honor guard presenting the colors, followed by the national anthem.
“Today is a special day,” said Andy Weaver, provost of the TSTC West Texas campuses. “We are a veteran-friendly organization, and we serve veterans every day.”
Starr reflected on his time in the military, drawing comparisons between the famous Doolittle Raiders’ mission during World War II and his own experience leading the first Air Force unit to attack al-Qaeda after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
“It was the highlight of my military career,” he said.
Starr shared that Veterans Day brings a mix of emotions for him.
“I am proud to have served my country,” he said. “I also have humility for those who served before me.”
State Rep. Stan Lambert, of Abilene, attended the event and expressed his gratitude.
“I am always grateful for our veterans and our current active-duty military,” Lambert said. “The sacrifices they make for our freedoms are something we can never repay.”
Andy Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran and current aviation maintenance instructor at TSTC, said he appreciated the college taking time to recognize those who served.
“It is nice to be celebrated because a lot of us didn’t think we did much when serving,” he said. “This is always a special day for our veterans.”
Registration for the spring semester is underway. To learn more, visit tstc.edu.