DUBLIN — Bladen Community will honor men and women who have served the country in the armed forces during a Veteran’s Day presentation on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. in the college auditorium (building 9).

Guest speaker and decorated Army Sgt. James Simmons Jr. will share his inspiring message focused on coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and suicide prevention among service men and women. Sgt. Simmons remarks, “My number one goal is to help soldiers keep their hope alive.”

Simmons served in the United States Navy from 1987 until 1991, aboard the USS Sampson. His joint operations with the US Coast Guard earned him special recognition. In 2009, he enlisted with the United States Army, and was deployed to Afghanistan, where he received Army Commendation and Army Achievement Awards for his work with soldiers suffering from war-related emotional stress. He is currently stationed at Ft. Bragg and serves in the 82nd Airborne Division.

As part of the Veteran’s Day tribute, the college will host an exhibit of military artifacts and memorabilia. The public is invited to hear Sgt. Simmons and view the military exhibit.

For information about the event, or about Bladen Community College, contact Tiina Mundy at 910-879-5500.

Staff report