![\"Lance](\"http:\/\/www.daytonastateinmotion.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/11\/VeteransDayHonors.png\")
<\/a>ERAU Color Guard solemnly begin their salute during ceremonies on Daytona State\u2019s main campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure>
\n\u201cAlthough we feel we were always a military friendly college, it was certainly gratifying to receive that recognition. We stand to support you our student veterans with the tools you need to be successful. This is in fact the least we can do to honor you for all your sacrifices,\u201d said Eaton.<\/p>\n
According to Eaton, the property that the main campus of DSC is located on has a long history of serving veterans. During World War II, it was a military facility. Afterwards, it became a vocational school, then Daytona Beach Junior College, then changing to Daytona Beach Community College, before being named Daytona State College in 2008.<\/p>\n
Volusia County Council Chair, Jason Davis received his AA from DSC in 2008. A decorated U.S. Army combat veteran, he served during Operation Desert Storm. He is an active member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and Bikers for First Amendment Rights. He spoke highly of his time at DSC.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would not be the man I am today, in the place I\u2019m at today, if it were not for this college,\u201d Davis said.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday we honor every man and woman who has proudly worn the uniform of one of our armed forces and bravely defended America from the many evils of the world. Whether serving here at home or abroad, this elite group of individuals has ensured that you and I are able to live our daily lives free of tyranny and fear.\u201d<\/p>\n
Davis broached the subject of \u201cWhy do we do it?\u201d As he pointed out, military members often endure long periods of time away from home; in extreme heat and cold; fighting off bugs, snakes, scorpions and other unfriendly critters.<\/p>\n
Answering his own question, Davis said, \u201cWe do it for you. We stood our ground when fought on the beaches of Normandy. We trudged through the jungles of Vietnam. We fought and tried to survive the Middle Eastern desert. We do it for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Veterans have not always been treated kindly upon their return. Davis encouraged everyone to \u201creach your right hand out and shake their hand and say \u2018thank you for your service\u2019 and \u2018welcome home\u2019 whenever meeting someone who has given of themselves in service for the United States.<\/p>\n
President of the Volusia and Daytona Beach chapter of the American Gold Star Mothers, Cathy Heighter, knows well the sacrifices made by our military. She lost her son in 2003 in Iraq.<\/p>\n
\u201cToday, it still seems like yesterday,\u201d Heighter said. Telling what the AGSM represent, she said, \u201cWe are mothers whose children died in the military or as a result of service.\u201d<\/p>\n
They give of themselves through time, money and in-kind donations to aid and support veterans and active duty service members. The local chapter is currently raising funds for a memorial to honor the fallen, which will be placed in Palm Coast.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank each and every one of you for joining us to give a tribute to our veterans,\u201d said Jacob. \u201cI\u2019ve served both in the navy and the army. I just recently retired in 2013 from the army and I\u2019m also a student here at DSC.\u201d<\/p>\n His son, following in his footsteps graduated from boot camp for the Navy December last year. <\/p>\n A touching end to the ceremony was given by Bruce Russotto from Rolling Thunder Chapter 8 as he explained the meaning of the \u2018Missing Man Table\u2019. The small, round table is a place of dignity and honor. Itrepresents members of our armed forces that are missing; referred to as POWs and MIAs. White represents purity. The red rose symbolizes their blood that was shed in their sacrifice for our freedom. The rose also reminds family and friends to keep the faith while waiting for their return. The Bible represents the strength to sustain those lost from our country founded as one nation under God. The slice of lemon on the plate reminds us of their bitter fate. The candle burns the light of hope to light their way home to open arms and a grateful nation. Joyce Wagner In Motion Staff Writer Daytona State College was recently recognized as being military friendly. On Veterans Day this was proven by the number of veterans, students, faculty and staff attending the ceremony which was held at the Student Landing. Master of Ceremonies Dr. Tom LoBasso led the crowd Continue reading Veterans Day honors fallen<\/span><\/a>
\nFalcon Veterans Club President, George Jacob, served for 14 years with the U.S. Army and was deployed to Iraq twice and to the Mediterranean once.<\/p>\n
\nThe American flag reminds us that many of them may never return and paid the supreme sacrifice to ensure our freedom.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"