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M State to host Veterans’ Luncheon [UPDATED]
Published 3:47pm Tuesday, November 9, 2010 Updated 11:08am Wednesday, November 10, 2010Trevor Johnson’s dad is a disabled Army veteran, and Johnson himself spent six months in the Air Force.
To say he appreciates the service of those in the military is an understatement.
“I don’t think vets get the recognition they deserve,” the Minnesota State Community and Technical College student said. “We’ve lost sight of honoring those that fight to protect them and their families. They risk their lives for us every day of their lives.”
To honor veterans, Johnson and the Student Senate helped organize a barbecue lunch, hosted by M State, for Wednesday that will be free to veterans. Elmer’s Texas barbecue will serve from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Legacy Hall for the Veterans’ Luncheon, with a short program taking place from 11:30 a.m. to noon.
Lunch is free to veterans, and the Student Senate is suggesting a $5 donation to all non-veteran attendees. For the program at 11:30 a.m., Johnson will say a few words, and he hopes a few members of the college choir will sing the National Anthem. Vets will be invited to get their lunch first, followed by other attendees.
He said he has a lot of respect for his father Patrick Johnson, a disabled vet from Vining who served as an Army Ranger. Trevor, now pursuing a finance degree from M State, served in the Air Force in 2008, and plans to transfer to Minnesota State University-Moorhead for a master’s in finance, followed by a Ph.D. in ministry and philosophy.
In the Air Force, Johnson said he liked the “camaraderie, the order, the sense of honor and duty and the sense of maturity that is instilled on you when you enter.”
“They pull the weight of this country, and they do things that most people don’t think is for them,” he said of veterans. “The main goal is to let vets know that our community and college support them 100 percent, no ifs, ands or buts.”
Johnson said he has invited veterans, but other community members are invited to attend as well. He’s expecting and planning for around 300 people to attend the luncheon, and has been raising money to pay for the catering.
From visiting local businesses and Rotary Club, he has raised over $200, but needs $1,400 for the event. To donate, businesses and interested donors should contact Dave Jensen at 218-736-1537 with donations to offset food costs. Any additional funds raised will go to the Veterans Home of Fergus Falls.
“A thank you goes a long way,” Johnson said. “The least we can do is say thank you and provide a good meal when they come home.”
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