The first Annual Veterans Coin Ceremony took place at Green River Community College on Tuesday, June 9, 2009. Seventy-five challenge coins were bestowed upon GRCC students, faculty, and staff veterans. Mayor Pete Lewis, Board of Trustee member, Tom Campbell, and Veterans Coordinating Council members, Deb Casey, Fred Creek, and Kathi Anderson handed out the coins to an honored crowd.

Pleased that the Glacier room was standing room only, Deb Casey, the Dean of Student Services and chair of the Veterans Coordinating Council kicked off the meeting by saying, "Our military men and women have protected our democracy…our freedom…our way of life. They have done so individually and collectively. Today we will honor each of you with a challenge coin symbolizing GRCC’s commitment to you individually. We also want to take the time to thank you collectively for volunteering to put your lives on the line to maintain freedom in America.Your presence here in our community gives us hope that we have created a welcoming environment for veterans and family members. We as an institution aspire to continue to create opportunities to assist our veterans and military families with seamless service both in and out of the classroom. Thank you for all that you have done to serve our country and our community. We are honored and blessed to be in your presence."

Mayor Pete Lewis, a U.S. Navy Veteran, grew up in a military family in Boston and moved to Auburn in 1980. As mayor, he has worked hard to help veteran groups and veterans in need and is proud of the fact that he helped open the first King County Veteran's office outside of downtown Seattle that recently opened at Veterans Memorial Park. He told the audience that day, "Anytime it helps veterans, I am there."

Newly appointed Board of Trustee member, Tom Campbell shared that he was honored to be honoring the veterans. He is very proud of the things that Green River is doing for our veterans.

Mike Farnum, GRCC Natural Resources and VCC student talked about the significance and history of the challenge coin. He said that the coins signify memories, friendship, and a sense of belonging. He talked about the coins he currently has that remind him of the many adventures he had in the military.  He told the audience that the GRCC coin will be another wonderful memory. With a smile he added, "It will remind me of Dick Hopkins (Natural Resources Instructor) and the many trips to the forest to count trees when it was raining, and the four hour tests inside the Natural Resources classroom when it was sunny. He said he would remember Sabah's (GIS instructor) homework that he said would take only 2 hours but would actually take 6 days." Mike then concluded by saying, "Thank you, Green River for welcoming us home."

Mark Fisher, Washington Department of Veterans Affairs, received a standing ovation for his work with the Veterans and VCC. He pointed to the veterans in the audience and said, 'We are all about conserving natural resources, especially you guys."

Learn more about GRCC's Veterans Services.