Calhoun to Host Veterans Day Celebration Honoring Those Who Served

Decatur, Alabama — Calhoun Community College invites the public to join its annual Veterans Day Celebration honoring the men and women of the United States Armed Forces on Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. The program will be held in the Exhibition Hall of the Advanced Technology Center on Calhoun’s Decatur campus and is free and open to the community.
Each year, Calhoun Community College proudly hosts this meaningful event to pay tribute to veterans from all branches of military service. The program provides an opportunity for students, faculty, and the community to come together in appreciation of the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of those who have served.

“Veterans Day is a time for reflection, respect, and recognition,” said Dr. Jimmy Hodges, President of Calhoun Community College. “At Calhoun, we are honored to celebrate those who have worn the uniform and to express our gratitude for their sacrifices and ongoing contributions to our communities and our nation. We are proud to continue our mission of celebrating those who serve while fostering a community built on gratitude, unity, and lifelong learning.”

This year’s celebration will feature four distinguished guest speakers, each a veteran who continues to make a difference in education and public service. Their personal stories reflect the strength and resilience that define our nation’s armed forces.

Dr. Rhonda Coffelt, a U.S. Army veteran and current member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Guntersville, began her service as an Army Bandsman in the late 1970s and later served as a Petroleum Supply and Laboratory Specialist with the Tennessee Army National Guard during the Gulf War era. She holds a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from Tennessee State University and degrees in Chemistry from Austin Peay State University. Today, Dr. Coffelt serves as Chair of Calhoun’s Huntsville Natural Sciences Department, continuing her lifelong commitment to service through education.

Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Samuel Scruggs served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including over 13 years overseas. As an S4 Logistics Officer with the 101st Airborne Division during Operation Desert Storm, he played a key role in establishing and maintaining supply bases in Saudi Arabia and Iraq, earning the Bronze Star Medal for his leadership and service. Following retirement, Scruggs has dedicated his career to education and now coordinates the Veterans Upward Bound program at the North Alabama Center for Educational Excellence in Huntsville, helping veterans transition successfully to college life.

Jeremy Blevins, who began his military career in the Army National Guard as a Radio and COMSEC Repairer, has built a distinguished career in information technology and cybersecurity. He currently serves as Chair of Calhoun’s Computer Information Systems Department and is recognized for his leadership in advancing cybersecurity education. His dedication to both service and education earned him the 2023 Cyber Huntsville Cybersecurity Leadership Award for Academia.

Brandon Blevins, a retired U.S. Navy veteran, served 20 years aboard four aircraft carriers and completed five deployments in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. He now serves as an Aerospace Technology Instructor at Calhoun Community College, continuing to mentor and inspire future generations of aviation professionals.

In addition to the featured speakers, the program will include patriotic performances, special presentations recognizing veterans in attendance, and opportunities for the community to reflect on the importance of service. Following the ceremony, guests are invited to stay for refreshments catered by Ramona J’s Catering.

Kassie Mathis, Vice President of Student Services at Calhoun, emphasized the importance of the event to the college community. “This program is one of the most meaningful traditions we host each year,” Mathis said. “It brings together students, faculty, and our neighbors to honor those who have served, while also inspiring future generations to understand the true meaning of service and sacrifice.”

The Veterans Day Celebration is one of Calhoun’s most cherished annual events, reflecting the college’s commitment to honoring military service members and their families. By featuring veterans who continue to serve through education, Calhoun highlights how the values gained through military life, such as leadership, dedication, and resilience, remain essential to both community and academic success.

The event is free and open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend and show their support for veterans and their families.

For more information about Calhoun Community College’s 2025 Veterans Day Program, please contact Tina Amerson at tina.amerson@calhoun.edu or 256-306-2627.