MIDLAND, Texas —
Today Midland College held their Veterans Day celebration, the main event of which was a ceremony meant to honor veterans both past and present.
“In the past, where there wasn't a whole lot of veteran events that were sponsored on the campus, we're trying to change that, we have multiple veterans that are employees here. Having this celebration on the campus and bringing the community together, it allows us to put that emphasis on the sacrifice that our veterans have made for our country. But not only just their sacrifices, but it also puts us in a stage where we were able to recognize them in front of the community and that's really the important thing. Getting to the recognition," said retired Navy Senior Chief Jesus Ortega, Director of Veterans Resources at Midland College.
After the ceremony a job fair was held, aimed at aiding any veterans in the community still looking for employment or change in career.
“The job fair plays a significant role, especially in the Permian Basin we have, I believe, over 20,000 identified veterans here in the Permian Basin. So, providing that job fair, we got veterans that are just now detaching from their service. So, this provides a venue for them to be able to get those first looks at interviews, get looks at resumes, see what companies are hiring, what kind of skill sets are needed in the community. So that was the importance of bringing in the hiring fair for those young veterans,” Ortega continued.
Ortega says that veterans of all eras and ages should take the time to let themselves be the center of attention and be appreciated by the community during days like this.
“If you haven't been to one of these events, please and you're a veteran, please do yourself a service. Go to these events, this is your day. This is your day to take in, to recognize, be recognized and be appreciated for the sacrifices you have made. I know sometimes it could be a little difficult, but this is the opportunity for you to go out and enjoy. It's a day designated for yourself,” Ortega added.