ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. - The Harford Community College Student Government Association hosted its third annual program honoring current and past military students during the Military Appreciation Event in the school's Edgewood Hall Oct. 2.
Guest speakers included Col. Gregory R. McClinton, APG Garrison and deputy installation commander; HCC student and APG NCO of the Year Sgt. Olayiwola Kugblenu of Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic; and retired Marine Corps Master Sgt. Christopher Jacobs, also a HCC student.
HCC President, Dr. Dennis Golladay thanked McClinton and the audience for taking time out of their day to attend the observance.
"It's extremely important to note that this event has always been put together by our students," he said. "Thank you for helping us to honor our veterans and our personnel."
McClinton commended HCC as an institution that has served the Soldiers of APG for more than 50 years, has helped strengthen APG as a new hub for research and engineering, and has served America by providing warfighters the very best in education."
"I salute you all for supporting our military, what you do is important," he told the SGA members, adding that service to the nation does not require wearing a uniform.
"Volunteer for a worthy cause," he said. "Live your lives so that their sacrifices were not in vain."
Kugblenu, a native of Nigeria, shared his story of migrating to the U.S. with his pregnant wife and eventually joining the Army. Though he planned to eventually pursue a career in architecture he said service in the military has changed his goals.
"My decision to join the Army was the single most important decision of my life," he said. "It's not just a job to me anymore, it's a career. I'm fighting for my family and protecting my home."
Though he has not served in combat, he said he is certain that he one day will and that he is just as sure that he will not shy from it.
"I will do my best to serve with distinction," he said. "The strength of the military is its people."
SGA president Spencer Blackwell, thanked guests and attendees for attending the event which he said has become a HCC tradition.
"It was an honor for me to share the podium with those who have sacrificed so much for our nation," he said.
The ceremony included the posting of the colors by Soldiers from the U.S. Army Public Health Command color guard and music by the Aberdeen High School choir and band.
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