Eastern Arizona College honored the men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces Tuesday, Nov. 10, during its annual Veterans Day commemoration, bringing together students, employees, veterans and community members for a tribute to military service and sacrifice.
EA President Todd Haynie welcomed attendees and expressed the College’s appreciation for the men and women who have served in the nation’s armed forces.
“Your willingness to serve, the sacrifices you have made and the example you have set deserve our deepest gratitude,” Haynie said. “We are especially proud of the veterans who are part of our Eastern Arizona College family. Their experiences, leadership and commitment to service enrich our campus and strengthen our community.”
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Victor Norris, a current EA student who retired in January 2025 after 20 years of military service, delivered the keynote address, reflecting on the people and experiences that shaped his understanding of what it means to serve.
“Every year on Memorial Day, our nation pauses to honor those who have died while serving in the armed forces,” Norris said. “That’s not what today is about. Veterans Day has a broader purpose. Today we honor all those who have served.”
During his 20-year career as a Marine Corps musician, Norris performed at military installations across the United States and overseas, witnessing countless graduations, homecomings and ceremonies honoring those who served.
He recalled performing at homecoming ceremonies for Marines returning from deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Often held late at night, the ceremonies brought together anxious families who sometimes waited hours for their loved ones to arrive. Norris remembered young wives waiting for their husbands, parents awaiting their sons and daughters and children meeting their fathers for the first time.
“Watching those families taught me that military service is rarely a sacrifice made by that one person alone,” Norris said.
He emphasized that military families also serve in their own way, enduring months of separation and uncertainty while supporting their loved ones in uniform.
“We weren’t just celebrating the accomplishment of a deployment and a mission completed,” Norris said. “We were celebrating a reunion, a family made whole again.”
Norris also shared the story of an elderly Marine Corps veteran who struggled to rise from his wheelchair during a performance of the Marines’ Hymn. Norris later learned the man was a Medal of Honor recipient. The experience left a lasting impression on him, demonstrating that military service remains an important part of a veteran’s identity long after leaving active duty.
The ceremony featured patriotic music by the EA Marching Band, directed by Dr. Dillan Francis; the national anthem performed by the EA A Cappella Choir, directed by Dr. Gideon Burrows; a presentation by the Gila Valley Honor Guard; and the Pledge of Allegiance led by ASEAC Student Body Vice President Jake Layton. The EA Vocal Jazz Ensemble, directed by Associate Professor Marilee Decker, performed “America the Beautiful.”
Norris, who began his Marine Corps career in January 2005 at Parris Island, South Carolina, and returned to the same location to retire 20 years later, reflected on his transition from military service to student life at EA.
He concluded by encouraging students and everyone in attendance to get to know the veterans in their families and communities.
“Ask them about their experiences. Listen to their stories if they’re willing to share them,” Norris said. “You may discover that the most extraordinary lessons come from people who have never really considered themselves extraordinary.”
The commemoration concluded with a special recognition of veterans, who received tokens of appreciation from President Haynie, followed by patriotic music and refreshments.
Eastern Arizona College holds its Veterans Day commemoration on a day when classes are in session, rather than on the holiday itself, to give students the opportunity to participate in the ceremony and honor those who have served our nation.
Supporting Veterans at Eastern Arizona College
Eastern Arizona College supports veterans, active-duty military personnel and their families through assistance with education benefits, admissions, financial aid and academic advising. To learn more about available programs and services, contact Erin Roden, financial aid/VA specialist, at (928) 428-2354 or visit www.eac.edu/veterans/.
About Eastern Arizona College
Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EAC is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
Offering a diverse range of over 90 degrees and certificates, EAC is home to the state’s premier nursing school, a fine arts program featuring Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that equips students for success at top-tiered firms and universities.
Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.
What sets EAC apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.
Choose EAC as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.
