Students and Staff at the Gainesville Job Corps Center paused to salute their Veterans. November 11, 2011 fourteen Veterans filled the center’s small cafeteria as students and staff expressed gratitude for their service, commitment and dedication to a life of liberty. Veterans’ Day was made extra special by the culinary and protective services students. The culinary arts students not only prepared a tasty meal but they decorated the cafeteria with American flags while the Pre-law students presented the colors and led the Veterans in the pledge of allegiance.

Guest Speaker Sakinah McDuffie, who served ten years in the Air Force and is currently working on her fourth year in the Air National Guard, presented an inspiring speech on the gift of service. Retired Army Veteran, Harold Batie, also known at the center as “B Magic” entertained the Veterans with a magic show.

The day was filled with reflections of the past and prayers for the future. Center Director Sam Kolapo ended the luncheon by presenting all veterans with an uniquely designed “Honoring our Veterans” button and a “Safety is No Accident” t-shirt.