Iraq War chaplain to speak at CCCC Veterans Day event

Central Carolina Community College is holding a Veterans Day event to celebrate, honor, and thank America’s veterans for their patriotism, service, and sacrifices. 

The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place on Wednesday Nov. 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CCCC’s Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center in Sanford. 

The keynote speaker is retired Col. Dan Hardin, who currently serves as the Assisting Priest at St. Francis Anglican Parish in Sanford. Hardin served in the military for 37 years, including a 2006 deployment to Iraq, where he served as a chaplain. He holds the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and the Purple Heart, among other decorations. 

Wednesday’s program will also feature a speech from retired Senior Chief Gary Gilliam, who is the President of the Lee County Veterans Council. Vocalist Alexandra Dowdy and members of the Lee County Community Orchestra will perform for the event.

CCCC was recently honored as a veteran-friendly school by U.S. Veterans Magazine for the support the college provides student veterans throughout the year.