PRCC students observe Veterans Day

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Pearl River Community College (PRCC) students observed Veterans Day Thursday morning to honor the brave soldiers who served the United States.

Students invited local veteran, Major General Jeff Hammond as a guest speaker.

History and Humanities Club President Derrik Harvey said, “It is something that we do every year because not because it’s something we do every year, but because we respect and honor those who have served and came back to their families.”

Major General Jeff Hammond served in the front lines during the war in Iraq and said Veterans are important to the country.

“And our country has been able to be great, on the shoulders of those who are willing to support and defend the constitution, and that is our veterans, and I love the veterans, I am a veteran" said Major General Hammond.

He added, "...and I proudly served, I think I was called upon, it was part of the will of God, and I will tell you that most Veterans see a lot of truth in that as well.”

During his speech he said he is proud of the young soldiers who continue to enlist and serve their country.

“Here we have a population of young people, post 9/11 that were courageous enough, to volunteer and serve this nation" said Major General Hammond.

"...and those young people today they are magnificent, I do not know if I would have the moral courage to serve had I been there age" he said.

Major General Hammond currently works at the University of Southern Mississippi as a Director for its Veteran and Military Affairs.

He continues to serve the population by helping Veterans and their families continue their education.