Veterans celebrated at Daytona State
The college’s Veterans Day celebration drew a packed house on Monday, Nov. 12, with
dedication of the new Veterans Center and speakers honoring those who have served
in the armed forces.
Students and employees alike filled The Landing at Nunamann Hall for a formal event
opened by the Air Force ROTC colorguard from Embry Riddle and patriotic music by the
college’s Brass Ensemble. The audience of about 150 heard four speakers led by master
of ceremonies, retired Army Sgt. 1st Class Tom LoBasso, senior vice president of student
development and institutional effectiveness, who served in the National Guard for
21 years.
The speakers touched on different aspects of Veterans Day, from the perspective of
history, honor, service to country and family, and supporting veterans with PTSD and
traumatic brain injuries as they find their way again in civilian life. Putting an
historical perspective on the role of veterans, retired Army Col. Lloyd J. Freckleton,
Daytona State College District Board member, summarized their defense of this country
since the Spanish War.
Faculty member Army Maj. Barry Gibson, assistant chair of mathematics, shared the
present-day high status of veterans, saying he would get dozens of thank you’s from
peers, students and neighbors each Veterans Day. Student Kassiem Gibson, unanimously
elected president of the college’s Falcon Veterans Club this year, read a child’s
thank-you note to veterans that said, “You rock!” but noted the crucial need for support
of veterans struggling with PTSD.
Spring graduate and Navy veteran Lindsay Eatman, a strong advocate for a veterans
center during her time at the college, stressed the deep relationships veterans have
with each other. “We’re a family,” she said, as she commended the college for creating
a space for veterans to study and come together for support.
The crowd joined the speakers and members of the College District Board to dedicate
the new center, completed with a patriotic ribbon cutting by sword.
