An MC Veteran’s Day highlight
The Highland Echo would like to honor both Maryville College student veterans as well as the friends and family of Maryville College students, staff, and faculty.
Cpl. Albert Johnson served five years in the United States Marine Corps. Johnson is a business management major who came to Maryville College for “the small tight knit community.”
Micaela Mouser, a criminal justice major, served two years in the United States Army. She chose Maryville College because it “has a very homey feel and wasn’t too big. [It] has a great support for veterans.”
HM3 Matthew Malone, a finance/accounting major, served six years in the United States Navy. He also came to MC because it is “small, intimate, [and] close, like a unit.”
Andrew Ptak, a business management major, served four years in the United States Navy. Ptak came to MC because he “heard it was a prestigious college.”
“I want to better myself in any way possible,” Ptak said.
Coby Tucker, a psychology major, served four years in the United States Navy.
“Maryville College is a tight knit community where you are able to really have one on one time with your professor,” Tucker said. “It felt very welcoming and comfortable just like my squadron I served with.”
Cp. James Tyler Brown, a chemistry major, served two years in the United States Marines and came to Maryville College because “it had a great science program.”
Master Sgt. Denise LaVoie Blair, a religion major, served 21 years in the United States Air Force.
E5 David Daniels, a criminal justice major, served 14 years in the United States Navy. Daniels said he came to Maryville College because “it is a great institution with a personal feel for its students, staff, and faculty.”
Chad R Simmons is a Maryville College student who served four years in the United States Navy.
Maryville College faculty member in Student Affairs, Jill Bolton, served 26 years in the United States Air Force.
Becky Davis, a MC staff member in marketing and communication, wanted to recognize her father, Edward Davis. Davis served three years in the United States Marine Corp.
“My dad joined the Corps during Vietnam and passed on a college football scholarship,” Davis said. “He wanted to serve and protect! He continued to serve and protect! He continued to serve and protect for almost 30 years as a Miami police officer. [He is] the most unselfish and caring individual you will have the pleasure of meeting, and I am blessed he is my dad.”
She also wanted to recognize her best friend Jeffrey “Jino” Fort who served 14 years in the United States Army.
“I have known Jeff for over 20 years. I have always admired his dedication and commitment to serve and protect. I am grateful for his service and blessed to have him in my life.”
Dr. Gabie Kerr wanted to recognize her spouse, Retired MSGT Andrew Kerr, who served twenty-two years in the United States Air Force.
Makayla Reynolds recognized her father, SFC E7 Vince Reynolds, who served 22 years in the United States Army.
Heather Mead wanted to recognize her spouse, Sgt. Oren Mead, who is an active duty member of the United States Army and has so far served 11 years.
“He endured four deployments in Iraq in less than eight years,” Mead said.
Jude Goodman wanted to recognize her father, Retired MSGT Jason Goodman, who served 21 years in the United States Air Force.
Mykel Santos wanted to recognize their father, Sgt. Easton Mullings, who served 21 years in the United States Army.
Alison Jackson wanted to recognize her aunt, Senior MSGT Paula Goetz, who served 22.5 years in the United States Airforce.
Moriah Tant wanted to recognize their father, Sgt. David Tant, who served 12 years in the Army National Guard.
Suzette Donovan wanted to recognize her father, 1st Lt. Eugene J. Majure who served 12 years as a Special Forces Officer in the United States Army. Majure received the Bronze Star of Valor and the Purple Heart upon his death.