Veterans Week Ceremonies hosted at College of the Ozarks

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks celebrated Veterans Day with special events November 5-12 to  honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country. The events included an opening ceremony, a POW/MIA remembrance service, and a Veterans Sunrise Service. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m., Branson Veterans of America 913 hosted the Veterans Week Opening Ceremony at College of the Ozarks Patriots Park.

The ceremony included a welcome by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; a posting of the colors by the Branson Veterans of America 913 Honor Guard; a reading of proclamation by Larry Milton, Branson Missouri mayor; a Missouri Vietnam memorial story by Dr. Jerry C. Davis, president emeritus College of the Ozarks; a keynote address by Brigadier General James Schreffler; and a wreath laying ceremony and rifle volley by the Branson Veterans of America 913 honor guard.

“Today is special in that we begin a week of camaraderie and gratitude, a week in which we celebrate those brave men and women, those quiet heroes, many sitting amongst us here today, who heeded the call, put on the uniform, and defended the flag of the United States and everything it stands for,” Schreffler said. “As we embark on this week of celebration and remembrance, let us carry forward the spirit of gratitude. Let us express our appreciation not only in words, but through our actions, by volunteering, supporting veteran organizations and being present for those who have given so much.”

On Friday, Nov. 8, from 8-9 a.m., POW/MIA Network hosted a POW/MIA Remembrance Service in the Welcome Center at the College of the Ozarks.

The ceremony included stories of remembrance and honored POW/MIA Veterans. Mary Schantag, POW Network chairman, gave opening remarks and honored POW/MIA families and dignitaries; Jeanne Cooper, POW Network registered agent and widow of Richard Cooper, USAF Cuban Missile Crisis Veteran; and attendees shared memories. The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer, the bell tolls, and Taps.

On Monday, Nov. 11, at 7 a.m., College of the Ozarks hosted a Veterans Sunrise Service at the Alumni Veterans Memorial.

The ceremony included a welcome by Captain Andrew Ashley, instructor of military science and captain in the Missouri Army National Guard; firing of the cannon, flag raising, and “Reveille” by the Bobcat GOLD officer candidates; opening remarks by Dr. Brad Johnson, president of College of the Ozarks; introduction of speaker by Brigadier General James Shreffler, vice president for patriotic activities; keynote remarks by Mike Kehoe, Missouri governor elect; laying of the wreath by Kehoe and Johnson; firing volley salute by the Bobcat GOLD officer candidates; “Taps” by Sargeant Major Robert Smither (Ret.), adjunct professor of music, and Kevin Powers, assistant professor of music and director of bands; and benediction by Dr. Justin Carswell, vice president for Christian ministries and student development.

“May we never as individuals, as a state, or as a nation fail to honor them in this way,” said Kehoe. “To all those who have served, are serving, or will serve, it is my privilege to extend a heartfelt thank you on behalf of all Missourians.”

More About the Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks

The Patriotic Pillar at College of the Ozarks is to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibility, love of country, and willingness to defend it.

The Patriotic Education Travel Program is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to accompany Veterans back to the battlefields where they served. The program’s mission is to educate students about the sacrifices of American soldiers, so their stories will never be forgotten. Veterans Grove at Patriots Park consists of more than 130 sugar maple trees that honor Veterans who have traveled with the program.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and financial responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 2 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 4 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025 and No. 3 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2024. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award 2024 and the Best of the Best and Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 from ConventionSouth magazine. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus.