Lt. Col. Marc Cummins gave the keynote address at the Veterans Day program Saturday. Cummins has served in Iraq and Afghanistan and currently leads the University of Kentucky ROTC¿program. Rachel Gilliam rparsons@winchestersun.com
The average American serviceman is 20 years old, and a high school or college graduate.
“He can use his body like a weapon, and his weapon is part of his body. ... They are warriors, economists and diplomats,” Lt. Col. Marc Cummins said.
As the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Day program, Cummins highlighted the important role soldiers have played in American history, and the lessons he has learned from his own military career. Cummins began serving after his freshman year at the University of Kentucky. Cummins was a member of the ROTC, a program he now directs, but was led to enlist and go through basic training.
“It was the beginning of a calling to service,” Cummins said.
Although his family did not have a military history — his only connection was a great-grandfather who served in the Norwegian military — Cummins said he could not shake the feeling that he was supposed to enlist.
After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Cummins said he was a “changed person.” His first lesson learned in the military — nothing in life worth doing is easy.
Other lessons include the importance of planning, something Cummins said he discovered when flying an Apache helicopter to the no-fly zone in Korea.
“Our direction will trump our intentions every time,”¿Cummins said. “The Army taught me if I plan with meticulous detail. ... it will yield fruitful results.”
He also highlighted the need for proper training, and dedication to service.
“We don’t rise to greatness, we fall to the level of our training,” Cummins said.
Veterans from all branches of the service were present for the program, and each was honored during a military service medley presented by the George Rogers Clark High School JROTC. The students also led the presentation and retiring of the colors.
Local Marine Corps League member Chuck Witt read an original poem, “At the War Memorial.”
Tom Hunter, father of Sgt. James Hunter, who was killed in Iraq in 2010, played “Taps” as Marine Corps League members presented a flag in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“Simply put, they (soldiers) are remarkable, and I’m humbled and blessed to be able to serve next to our nation’s finest,” Cummins said.
Veterans Day programs continued today with a flag-folding demonstration at the Generations Center. The Golden Corral will serve dinner to veterans tonight from 4 to 9.
Several local schools hosted programs last week, including Providence Elementary, Strode Station Elementary, Hannah McClure Elementary, George Rogers Clark High School and Clark Middle School.
The Conkwright Middle School program featured the unveiling of a sign designating Interstate 64 Exit 96 interchange bridge as the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.
“He can use his body like a weapon, and his weapon is part of his body. ... They are warriors, economists and diplomats,” Lt. Col. Marc Cummins said.
As the keynote speaker at the annual Veterans Day program, Cummins highlighted the important role soldiers have played in American history, and the lessons he has learned from his own military career. Cummins began serving after his freshman year at the University of Kentucky. Cummins was a member of the ROTC, a program he now directs, but was led to enlist and go through basic training.
“It was the beginning of a calling to service,” Cummins said.
Although his family did not have a military history — his only connection was a great-grandfather who served in the Norwegian military — Cummins said he could not shake the feeling that he was supposed to enlist.
After completing basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Cummins said he was a “changed person.” His first lesson learned in the military — nothing in life worth doing is easy.
Other lessons include the importance of planning, something Cummins said he discovered when flying an Apache helicopter to the no-fly zone in Korea.
“Our direction will trump our intentions every time,”¿Cummins said. “The Army taught me if I plan with meticulous detail. ... it will yield fruitful results.”
He also highlighted the need for proper training, and dedication to service.
“We don’t rise to greatness, we fall to the level of our training,” Cummins said.
Veterans from all branches of the service were present for the program, and each was honored during a military service medley presented by the George Rogers Clark High School JROTC. The students also led the presentation and retiring of the colors.
Local Marine Corps League member Chuck Witt read an original poem, “At the War Memorial.”
Tom Hunter, father of Sgt. James Hunter, who was killed in Iraq in 2010, played “Taps” as Marine Corps League members presented a flag in honor of prisoners of war and those missing in action.
“Simply put, they (soldiers) are remarkable, and I’m humbled and blessed to be able to serve next to our nation’s finest,” Cummins said.
Veterans Day programs continued today with a flag-folding demonstration at the Generations Center. The Golden Corral will serve dinner to veterans tonight from 4 to 9.
Several local schools hosted programs last week, including Providence Elementary, Strode Station Elementary, Hannah McClure Elementary, George Rogers Clark High School and Clark Middle School.
The Conkwright Middle School program featured the unveiling of a sign designating Interstate 64 Exit 96 interchange bridge as the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge.
