Veteran Tim Scarbrough Speaks at SIC Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony

Iraq war veteran Tim Scarbrough, was the keynote speaker at Southeastern Illinois College’s Veterans Day Recognition Ceremony and reception held Friday, Oct. 7 to pay tribute to those who have served in the United States military.

Scarbrough served in the Tennessee National Guard, Murray State University ROTC, was an officer in the Army Reserves, and completed multiple tours in the active duty Army in Iraq and South and Central America before retiring in 2007 after 21 years. Currently, Scarbrough is still active with veteran organizations including Team Red White and Blue and still helps veterans however he can.

Honor was a main theme in Scarbrough’s message. He spoke of how only one percent of the American population are veterans, and how few active military there actually are. He noted the importance of how being in the military is strictly on a volunteer basis, and the honor it is to volunteer to serve the United States.

“When I was asked what it meant to be a veteran, a few things came to mind—dedication, honor, and to keep on living,” said Scarbrough.

Scarbrough mentions the transition of coming into society as a veteran and how it is ingrained in those who have served in the military to continue to serve.

“I don’t know a veteran who doesn’t get tight in the chest when they hear Taps or look at the Flag,” said Scarbrough. “You continue to carry that honor. We live, we remember and we serve. We live to remember and we live to serve.”

Scarbrough closed his message by saying, “Veterans Day is our day. We have earned it.”

The National Anthem was sung by SIC Spanish and English instructor Jennifer Roehm and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Pre-K class of the Mary Jo Oldham Center for Child Study. Taps were played by SIC Chorus Instructor Tim Green and Dean of Students and Enrollment Services Chad Flannery welcomed the audience to the ceremony. SIC student Isaac Alexander of Harrisburg gave a patriotic tribute by playing the piano and singing Proud to be an American. SIC student Chayce Cowling of Carmi gave the benediction at the end of the ceremony.

Scarbrough was also joined by members of the Eldorado VFW Post 3479; Eldorado American Legion Post 169; and Kathy R. Morris, Regent and Sharon L. Tanner, Vice Regent of the Michael Hillegas Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution to remember those who died defending their country and to support those who have returned home from service or who are currently serving in the military.

“The Veterans Recognition Ceremony is an incredible event we do every year to honor all our veterans on campus and within the community,” said Emily Henson, Coordinator of Veterans Services. “It is such a privilege to show our appreciation to veterans and to their service.”

Seventy-two veterans and dependents of veterans currently attend SIC using veteran education benefits. Certifying and recertifying educational benefits, special recognition events, discounts, free access to the fitness center, care packages, assistance with grants and scholarships, college credit for military experience, an outreach program designed to help with accessing local resources, employment information, medical benefits and health care benefits for the disabled are just some of the additional things the college and its Veterans Service Office have provided its veterans over the years.

For further information on SIC’s veteran programs and events, go to www.sic.edu/veterans or contact Emily Henson at 618-252-5400 ext. 2450 or fao@sic.edu.

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