November 13, 2025

R-CCC Hosts Veterans Day Ceremony Honoring Local Heroes

                                                                       

AHOSKIE, NC – Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) held its annual Veterans Day service, Honoring All Who Served, on Nov. 11, to recognize and celebrate the sacrifices of military veterans and their families.
 
The event featured guest speaker Wayne M. Brooks Sr., a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant E8, who shared reflections on his 22-year military career and the enduring value of service.
 
“It’s a blessing and a privilege to be standing here today,” Brooks said. “The military is an organization beyond any. I wouldn’t give anything for my military service. I wouldn’t change a thing.”
 
Brooks, a Murfreesboro native and 1975 graduate of Murfreesboro High School, studied medical laboratory technology at New York City Community College before enlisting in 1978. He served as an ear, nose and throat specialist for 20 years and concluded his career as garrison sergeant major at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Brooks and his wife, Vivian, have been married for more than 40 years and have four children and 12 grandchildren, including one currently serving in South Korea.
 
R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams opened the ceremony with heartfelt remarks.
 
“Today, we gather in unity and gratitude to honor the courageous individuals who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” Williams said. “Your service, your sacrifice and unwavering commitment to protect our freedoms are deeply appreciated.”
 
Williams also acknowledged the families of veterans, noting their essential role in supporting service members.
 
Dr. Tanya Oliver, R-CCC executive vice president of academic and student affairs, emphasized the college’s commitment to honoring veterans.
 
“At R-CCC, we are proud to honor our veterans,” Oliver said. “Your leadership, your resilience and dedication enrich and inspire all of us to serve in our own ways through learning and community involvement.”
 
Veterans recognized during the event included:
 

• Josh Brock, dependent: Colin Brock (Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration Technology)
• Matthew Campbell, dependent: Tamila H. Campbell (Cosmetology)
• Ricky Jenkins, dependent: Sandra Jenkins (Medical Office Administration)
• Johnny Jones, Plant Operations Supervisor
• Timothy Lassiter Sr., R-CCC Director of Facilities & Capital Projects
• Steven J. Mathews, R-CCC Vice President of Workforce & Institutional Advancement
• Calvin Moore Sr., dependent: Calvin Moore Jr. (Associate in Arts)
• Officer Javier Pagola, R-CCC Security and alumnus
• Christopher Perreault (Industrial Systems Technology)
• Benjamin Stokley Sr., dependent: Benjamin Stokley Jr. (Criminal Justice)
• Keith Wynn (Business Administration)

 
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the courage and commitment of those who have served and continue to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243