Amarillo College honors veterans with campus ceremony Tuesday

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) - Amarillo College honored veterans today with guest speakers who have served in the military and a color guard presentation by Palo Duro High School’s Junior ROTC.

The ceremony took place at the Clock Tower on the Washington Street campus Tuesday morning.

“Veterans Day is a time for us to pause and express our deepest gratitude to those who have answered our nation’s call to service. Their courage, dedication, and willingness to sacrifice for something greater than themselves represents the very best of our country,” Amarillo College President Jamelle J. Conner said.

Conner also introduced guest speakers who enrolled at the college after active-duty service.

One speaker, Navy veteran and sonography student Iris Hernandez, said she owed many of her accomplishments to her mother and the military.

Hernandez said her service helped shape her motivation to serve others and sparked an unexpected passion for health care.

“Our veterans bring invaluable experience, resilience and leadership to our campus,” said Stephanie Brackett, AC coordinator of Veteran Services. “We’re proud to honor their service and help veterans and military-affiliated students navigate the path to college, including understanding and accessing the educational benefits for which they may be eligible.”