Army Education Center hosts inaugural college commencement recognition ceremony

By Rock Island Army Education CenterOctober 31, 2014

Army Education Center hosts inaugural college commencement recognition ceremony
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army Education Center hosts inaugural college commencement recognition ceremony
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Rock Island Arsenal leadership stand beside the graduates at the conclusion of the commencement recognition ceremony. From left: Command Sgt. Major Melissa Judkins, CSM, USAG-Rock Island Arsenal; Col. Elmer Speights, Jr., Garrison Commander, USAG-Roc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, ILL. -- (Oct. 2, 2014) The Rock Island Army Education Center hosted its inaugural College Commencement Recognition Ceremony for its military community on Oct. 2 at Rock Island Arsenal in Heritage Hall in Building 60.

"This was a wonderful way to celebrate the sacrifices and dedication it took service members to complete a college education while serving in the military," said Lorrie Blumberg, contract guidance counselor, Rock Island Army Education Center.

The keynote speaker for the event was Rebecca Geiken, a U.S. Army veteran helicopter pilot and Army spouse of 15 years.

Eleven service members were formally recognized during the ceremony to include Sgt. First Class Annquarnette Aaron, Master Sgt. Gerardo Claudio-Santiago, Sgt. Dara DeLong, Sgt. First Class Darrick Dupree, Capt. Laura Esper, Sgt. First Class Elizabeth Hilson, Chief Warrant 5 Ronald Moore, Sgt. First Class Octavia Robinson-Wilson, Master Sgt. Clayton Simmons, Sgt. First Class Kathleen Taylor, and Sgt. First Class Joseph Wertz.

"Thanks to all the family members and Rock Island Arsenal employees who attended in support of the service members," said Blumberg.

The Rock Island Army Education Center is located west end of Building 56, 1st floor, on Rock Island Arsenal. Their office hours are 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. To contact the Education Center phone 309-782-2065. For additional information and to learn more visit their website at www.usagria.army.mil/apps/garrisonhr/aces.cfm.

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