Mat-Su College holds annual Veterans Day Tribute

PALMER — The Mat-Su College held its annual Veterans Day Tribute Friday, Nov. 10 at the Glenn Massay Theater.

MSC academics advisor Tom Spangler hosted this year's ceremony which featured community member Jeanette Kincheloe singing the National Anthem, a POW/MIA Table Ceremony and Flag Folding Detail performed by Colony High School's JROTC program, a TAPS performance by Vietnam veteran and bugler Gene Horner, and a speaker presentation by guest speaker Senator Dan Sullivan.

"I thought it went very well," Spangler said.

"While I have the privilege of delivering the message in the theater, the entire campus is completely supportive of the ceremony, and everyone in Student Services plays a role in us being able to have the ceremony. Part of my enjoyment of working at the college is the respect given to all veterans."

Spangler noted that Senator Sullivan has been a longtime supporter of this annual ceremony and shown a lot of support over the years.

"It's always good to have senator Sullivan out there," Spangler said.

This year's ceremony also featured a special presentation for local Gold Star Families that honored their sons' sacrifices in the line of duty during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Freedom's Sentinel. Spangler said they received positive feedback from the families after the ceremony.

"They were very appreciative of honoring their sons," Spangler said. "It was important for us to remember those who died in action who called Alaska home. They had incredible stories."

Spangler said that Colony's JROTC program has been involved with this ceremony since the beginning. He said that he admires the students' professional conduct and he's thankful to have their involvement each year

"I'm very grateful for them," Spangler said.

Horner has also been involved with this ceremony since it started, according to Spangler. He said that Horner regularly participates in community events such as these and he's performed TAPS at thousands of military funerals over the years.

"That's just remarkable the service and dedication it takes to do that. I am in awe," Spangler said.

Spangler spent 28 years in the U.S. Air Force before retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant in 2010. He helped establish the college's Veterans Day Tribute the following year.

"We just kind of built from there," Spangler said.

Spangler said the event has continued to grow in overall attendance and community participation each year.

"We're very appreciative of that," Spangler said.

Spangler noted that 10 percent of Alaska’s population are veterans. He said this event is designed to honor the various local men and women who served in the military as well as their families. He said that he aims to continue maintaining this event for years to come.

"Veterans are part of the very fabric of the community and I believe it will always be very well received and very well respected," Spangler said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com