Veterans Remembered, Thanked During 2015 National Roll Call at Gordon State College

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Front, from left, Gordon alumnus Mike Howard, Trisha Walker, Patricia Justice,

Carlos Walker, back row, from left, Larry Dudney, Thomas Shedd, Christopher Deal,

Gordon State College President Max Burns.

In his address during the National Roll Call event at Gordon State College, retired Brig. Gen. Larry Dudney asked those present to remember what Veterans Day is about.

"Today what we need to remember are the patriots that have served and continue to serve," he said. "We need to remember their selfless service. Time passes and wounds heal, but we should always as a nation remember to honor our own. To honor these young men and women who met the challenge of combat unflinchingly."

The National Roll Call project began on Nov. 11, 2011 when thousands of students, faculty, staff and community members at more than 180 colleges and universities nationwide came together and demonstrated their commitment to remembering those who, as President Lincoln described, "…gave their last full measure of devotion while serving our country."

The Roll Call is annually sponsored by the Gordon State College Student Veterans Association.

Also speaking Wednesday was Gordon alumna Patricia Justice, a 1996 nursing graduate and a Major in the U.S. Army Reserves.

"Today I honor those heroes to remember the sacrifices they made and the courage it took to defend honor duty and country," she said. "We stand in the midst of patriots and the family and friends of those who have nobly served."

Joining Dudney and Justice in addressing the crowd of about 150 students, faculty, staff and friends of Gordon, was Carlos Adams, a Gordon nursing student and SSG United State Army; Trisha Walker, associate biology professor and CPT Georgia Army National Guard; Thomas Shedd, a Gordon student and CW3, Georgia Army National Guard and Christopher Deal, president of the Student Veterans Association and veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he served as a staff sergeant.

The Colors were presented by the Lamar County High School ROTC. Taps was played by Macon resident Athens Carter.