NEW ALBANY, Ind. — For those who have risked their lives for our freedom, Indiana University Southeast and Duke Energy honored veterans who have served and are currently serving our country.
IU Southeast hosted a Veterans Day Luncheon and Memorial Service on Friday, Nov. 11, sponsored by Duke Energy.
The Memorial included a bell ringing service in McCullough Plaza Friday morning. Veterans from World War II to present rang the bells.
The free luncheon for veterans and their guests followed the Memorial Service. The luncheon featured a Fallen Soldier’s table presented by the Student Veteran Organization, remarks from Lisa Huber of Duke Energy and recognition of Purple Heart recipients by SVO representative Joseph Simon.
“We benefit from the talent, the discipline and skills veterans bring into business,” said Huber, who emphasized Duke Energy’s commitment to empowering the 2,056 veterans the company employees. “It’s a unique opportunity to tap into the talents veterans have.”
The keynote speaker was Ret. Col. Fred Johnson, who served 29 years in the U.S. Army. Johnson is a co-founder of Shakespeare with Veterans, a program dedicated to helping veterans deal with the challenges of transitioning from military service and helping them overcome combat trauma and PTSD.
Johnson said it takes a village to create a veteran, from the parents who instill the mindset to put nation before self to teachers and coaches who teach youth how to think.
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- Ret. Col. Fred Johnson addresses a crowd of veterans, their families and supporters at the Veterans Day Luncheon at IU Southeast.
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- Caps representing various branches of service.
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- Student Veteran Organization liaison Joseph Simon stands near a table honoring POW/MIA servicemen and women.
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- Lisa Huber from Duke Energy shares how her company employs and empowers veterans across the region.
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- Jerry Wheat sticks a pin to a map marking where he served in the military.
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- A wall honoring those who have served.
