Halifax Community College is honoring area veterans by commemorating the service and dedication of its military community.
To celebrate area veterans and to teach students and community about the opportunities within the United States military, the campus will host two events that will highlight the presence and commitment of local, state and national military branches as well as showcase their various roles and resources toward improving families and communities at home and abroad.
Festivities include day and evening offerings.
The first is a U.S. Military Expo on November 9, beginning at 9 a.m., in the Griffin Centre.
HCC will moderate a panel discussion with area veterans from all military branches, except the Space Force.
During the panel discussion, students will learn about life in the military and STEM careers. Afterward, students will have the opportunity to visit vendors from 10:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the campus lawn.
Different military branches are confirmed with recruiters, booths and hands-on activities for students and veterans.
HCC has confirmed that the U.S. Army and the National Guard will be flying in a Boeing AH-64 Apache and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter onto HCC’s campus grounds for the U.S. Military Expo.
The college is awaiting word on a request for the U.S. Coast Guard to land an MH-60 on campus.
Students will also have the opportunity to see these aircrafts up close and meet active-duty pilots. These pilots will be on hand to answer questions and share information about the aircraft. The HCC community is welcome to attend this free event. For safety purposes, the main entrance to campus will be closed from 9:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. on Nov. 9. The access road in the back of campus, located off of Country Club Road, will remain open for the duration of the event.
Veterans Gala
In addition to the expo, the HCC Foundation is hosting its inaugural Veterans Gala to raise money to establish a Veterans Scholarship Fund that will benefit veterans and their descendants, including children and grandchildren.
The black-tie optional event will take place on November 13, beginning at 6 p.m. with a meet and greet.
The gala’s doors will open at 7 p.m. and be held in the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. Centre.
In preparation for the gala, HCC will offer community organizations and individuals the opportunity to honor area veterans with sponsorships.
In addition to recognizing the event sponsors, the veterans who have been sponsored to attend the gala and those who bought tickets will be showcased in a slideshow with their name, photo, years of service, rank and military branch.
“These unique events are a testament to HCC’s pledge to promote and uphold educational, cultural, and economic progress in the Roanoke Valley,” said Michael Elam, president of HCC. “This vital collaboration will further strengthen our community advocacy toward veterans and their families.”
For more information on becoming a sponsor for the Veterans Gala, contact Kimberly Mack, special assistant to the president for governmental, community and college affairs, at 252-536-7273 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
To purchase tickets for the gala, contact Sabrina Freeman, administrative assistant, at 252-536-5413 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Sponsorships range from $500-$5,000; a reserved table for eight costs $500, two tickets cost $100, and one ticket is $75.