Kilgore College will host a Veterans Day Appreciation Ceremony at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and active-duty military members.
The event will take place on the Kilgore campus and will feature remarks, music and special recognitions celebrating those who have served.
Opening remarks will be delivered by James Horton, KC’s financial aid veterans specialist.
Dr. Philip Parnell, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1985 to 1993 and now serves as KC’s associate vice president of student engagement, will present this year’s Veterans Hero Award to KC student veteran Daniel L. Matthews (pictured on this page).
Matthews began his studies at KC in 2024 after serving more than 17 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he attained the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. He served on multiple overseas deployments, including missions in Kosovo, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan.
He is currently pursuing an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Business Management at KC.
The program will also include recognition of the oldest and youngest veterans in attendance, led by Manny Almanza, KC’s director of communications and public relations.
A $500 scholarship recipient will be announced during the event, and door prizes will be awarded to attendees.
The public is invited to attend and show appreciation for those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
More about Matthews’ military service:
Gunnery Sgt. (Ret.) Daniel L. Matthews honorably served more than 17 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, reaching the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (E-7).
Throughout his distinguished career, Matthews completed overseas deployments in Kosovo, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan, contributing to numerous missions in support of U.S. and NATO operations.
He held multiple Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), serving as a Mobile Facility Technician, Aviation Quality Assurance Representative Inspector, Air Communications Navigation/Cryptographic Systems Technician and Aircraft Communications Systems Technician.
His service earned him numerous awards and commendations, including:
- Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2)
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3)
- Presidential Unit Citation–Navy (2)
- Navy Unit Commendation (2)
- Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (3)
- Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (5)
- National Defense Service Medal
- Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Persian Gulf)
- Kosovo Campaign Medal
- Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one star
- Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Iraq)
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
- Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (2)
- NATO Medal–Kosovo
- NATO Medal–ISAF (Afghanistan)
- Afghanistan Certificate of Commendation (Individual Award)
- Expert Rifle Qualification Badge
- Sharpshooter Pistol Badge