COLUMBIA, MO -- Hundreds of people gathered on the Columbia College campus Thursday morning to honor all who serve or have served in the United States Military.
It was the third annual Columbia College Military Recognition Day.
The United States Army’s Screaming Eagles Parachute Team put on a show in the sky above the Columbia College soccer field. The Screaming Eagles will also be a part of this weekend’s air show at the Columbia Regional Airport. Columbia College officials kicked-off the beginning of a busy Memorial Day weekend.
Columbia College President Dr. Gerald Brouder said, “I am but one of many proud veterans employed at Columbia College. It is on their behalf, as well as on behalf of all those who work at this military-friendly institution, that we say to our troops, thank you so very much and God speed.”
After 4 perfect landings, the parachute team turned the stage over to Navy Veteran and Columbia College Graduate George Ousley. Ousley donated $100,000 to his old school to establish a scholarship for veterans.
Ousley said, “Today is about the veterans. The donation is about the veterans. It’s for the veterans that are coming back and their families.”
One of the first African-American men to fly in combat during World War Two presented a first-ever scholarship at the Columbia College veterans’ event. It was named after Colonel Charles McGee, a former student of Columbia College.
The Tuskegee Airman gave the scholarship to Air Force Cadet Patrick Hatcher of Columbia.
Hatcher said, “There is no one better to serve the award than him. There are no words for the gratitude that I feel towards him and other veterans.”
McGee said, “It makes me proud to be able to be here, but more proud of what Cadet Hatcher is doing and what that means for all of us. He’s got his eye on some goals. That means the future is in good hands.”
The Columbia College event was just a taste of what you can see this weekend at the annual Salute To Veterans Air Show at the Columbia Regional Airport.
Click on the link below for more information about the Salute To Veterans Air Show.
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