SCC to host week-long veterans celebration

Published: 10/27/2015

“Veterans Week provides an opportunity for awareness of those among us who have protected our rights and our freedoms in this country and to thank them for their service,” said Kelley Pfeiffer, SCC associate dean of student success.

Veterans Week Celebration

11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, College Center Gymnasium

Lt. Clifford B. Smith, Army Air Corps veteran, will give the keynote address. The ceremony will include the SCC Concert Band under the direction of David Dickey, the SCC Choir under the direction of Gene Ditch and local veteran organizations and their color guards. SCC president Ron Chesbrough will welcome students, faculty, staff and community members.

Lt. Clifford B. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri in 1942. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps that same year. As a flight engineer, her flew with an 11-man crew to Saipan in November of 1944. He bombed Nagoya on December 18, 1944, and was ditched near Kita Iwo at dusk. 

On December 19, 1944, Smith was rescued by an American Navy Submarine – the USS Spearfish. He went 26 days on patrol with the Spearfish along the coast of Japan, and returned to Saipan to complete 31 missions. 

Smith was discharged from the Army Air Corps in August 1945.

He continued his career at Ralston Purina, now Nestle Purina PetCare Company, in the Engineering Department for 30 years. He spent the next 40 years, operating CB Smith Co., a manufacturers representative firm for water and waste-water treatment equipment. 

SCC Student Veterans Panel

11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, auditorium of the Daniel J. Conoyer Social Sciences Building

Hear about life from the student veteran’s perspective. All panelists are current SCC students who have served in the military. This event is sponsored by the Student Veterans Organization (SVO).

Veterans Ceremonial March

1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the flagpole outside the Learning Resource Center

Campus and community members are welcome to join the ceremonial march around campus to honor and recognize our veterans. Hosted by the Student Veterans Organization, the ceremonial march will begin near the flagpoles outside the Learning Resource Center, rain or shine.

"Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor" Film

6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11, auditorium of the Social Sciences Building

The documentary, Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor, follows five severely wounded Iraq/Afghanistan veterans who were given the opportunity to explore their experiences through the healing power of humor. The event, sponsored by SVO, will have free popcorn. 

Keynote, featuring SCC students, George Polette of the United States Army and Mark Meirink of the United States Marine Corps.

6 p.m. Thursday Nov. 12, auditorium of the Social Sciences Building

The keynote will be delivered by George Polette, SFC, retired United States Army and Mark Meirink L. Cpl., United States Marine Corps.

The college is located at 4601 Mid Rivers Mall Drive in Cottleville. For more information on Veterans Week events, visit stchas.edu/veteransweek. To learn more about services for veterans on campus, the Student Veteran Organization and Honoring Military Families Scholarship, contact Kylene Montgomery, SCC veteran services coordinator, at 636-922-8268. 

St. Charles Community College is a public, comprehensive two-year community college with associate degrees and certificate programs in the arts, business, sciences and career-technical fields. SCC provides workforce training and community-based personal and professional development as well as cultural, recreational and entertainment opportunities. For more information, visit stchas.edu.