Southeastern Illinois College welcomed and honored local veterans at the annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, Nov. 10 in the George T. Dennis Visual & Performing Arts Center.
Air Force veteran Cobretta Creamer was the keynote speaker at the event, where he paid tribute to those who have served in the United States military. Creamer served on active duty in the Air Force 2013-2017. He was a Pharmacy Technician stationed in Panama City at Tyndall Air Force Base and was also chosen for the Honor Guard.
Creamer spoke about his experiences in the military.
“One thing I really admired in basic training is the devotion that military trainers had to all trainees… One thing that stuck out to me was when we were about three weeks into training, and one of our training instructors was doing locker inspections. He got to one of our younger members. The training instructor asked him if he was ready to quit. The trainee broke down in tears and said he was ready to give up. My training instructor looked him in the eyes and said he wouldn’t let him quit on himself, and he would make sure he would finish and be proud of himself when he graduated.”
Creamer is a 2007 graduate of Eldorado High School. He earned an associate degree at SIC in corrections. He is now a captain for Securitas and works security full-time on SIC’s campus. He is married to Erin Creamer and they have two children: Cash, age 10, and Maci, age 8.
Creamer said he was proud he had the opportunity to serve this great nation and thanked all his fellow veterans for all they have sacrificed. He also thanked Erin for all the support she has given him throughout his journey.
“It is often forgotten that military spouses also sacrifice a lot,” said Creamer.The National Anthem was sung by SIC student Allie Hammers of Galatia, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Pre-K class of the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study. Dr. Karen Weiss, SIC Vice President of Academic and Student Services, welcomed the audience to the ceremony.
Creamer was also joined by the Color Guard from Eldorado VFW Post 3479 and the Michael Hillegas Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution members, Charlotte Mathis and Sharon Pyle. They lay the wreath to remember those who died defending their country and to support those who have returned home from service or who are currently serving in the military.
Weiss invited guests to view the veterans display, enjoy refreshments, and to consider a visit to the Ella Elizabeth Hise Museum of Regional Art for the Veterans Exhibition. A reception for this exhibit will be held Sunday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m.
Currently, about 25 veterans and dependents of veterans currently attend SIC using veteran education benefits. Certifying and recertifying educational benefits, special recognition events, discounts, free access to the fitness center, care packages, assistance with grants and scholarships, and college credit for military experience, are just some of the additional things the college and its Veterans Service Office have provided its veterans over the years.
For more information on SIC’s veteran programs and events, go to sic.edu/veterans or call 618-252-5400 ext. 2400 or email veterans@sic.edu.
Original source can be found here.
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