November 9, 2009 Lakewood, WA – Clover Park Technical College will host its annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the McGavick Student Center, Building 23 at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 9, 2009.
The program, sponsored by the Associated Student Government of Clover Park Technical College, will feature the following:
- Presentation and posting of colors
- National anthem performed by student, Rhiannon Cupps, Esthetic Sciences Program and Associated Student Government Vice President of Student Activities
- Veterans Day video produced by CPTC Television
- John Lee, Director of WA State Dept. of Veterans Affairs, announcement of new partnership
- Keynote speech given by Major General John Hemphill, US Army Retired
- Processional to Veterans Memorial for Presentation of the Wreath (in front of Building 16). Taps performed by Sergeant Thunstedt, Fort Lewis
In an effort to reach more veterans and their families, the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs has developed partnerships with many state, federal, county, and local agencies. These partnerships ensure that when a veteran accesses another agency, they are referred to WDVA for a review of their individual needs, potential benefits, and assistance in obtaining benefits and care.
First Gentleman Mike Gregoire and John Lee will be presenting a Memorandum of Understanding to define a new partnership on behalf of Washington’s Governor between the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, the Washington National Guard, and Clover Park Technical College. Other partnerships will exist with the Higher Education Coordinating Board, State Board for Community & Technical Colleges, and the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board. By providing information and assistance to our state’s institutions of higher education and training programs, MOU partners seek to:
- Increase awareness of veteran’s programs on and off campus
- Provide staff members with a core set of cultural competencies focused on veterans
- Encourage campuses to implement best practices and policies designed to foster social support, acceptance, a welcoming environment, and a setting that meaningfully acknowledges the contributions of our veterans
- Encourage veterans to use GI Bill benefits
- Help veterans succeed in higher education and training
- Ensure staff and veterans have access to services through WDVA and its federal and local partners
Major General John Hemphill is a retired Army infantryman. He served in the Korean War as an infantry platoon leader and company commander. In the Vietnam War, General Hemphill was an infantry battalion and brigade commander. His decorations for combat actions include the Distinguished Service Cross, two Silver Star medals, three Bronze Star medals for Valor and three Purple Heart medals. After a 34-year active duty Army career, General Hemphill and his wife Peggy settled in Steilacoom where both have been active volunteers for the community. General Hemphill was the founding President of the Clover Park Technical College Foundation.
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