UTC celebrates Veterans day with annual luncheon

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- UTC and Special Guest, Dr. John Harbison paid homage to Local Veterans on Veterans Day. 

“Well, today is the Chancellor’s luncheon to honor the veterans. I am the guest speaker today. I served 22 years in the Army. I now work at UTC,” said John Harbison, Army Veteran.

The Veterans Luncheon is an annual  celebration that honors veterans and military-affiliated students, and staff at UTC. 

Dr.  John Harbison explains why it’s important to recognize veterans. 

“It is very important most veterans are very humble in that we do not expect a lot of grandeur, a lot of pomp and circumstance, but it is also very nice when our service is recognized,” said Harbison.

Harbison, who was also the guest speaker at the luncheon shared a message of inspiration to veterans. 

“I am going to be focusing more on not only recognizing those who have given the ultimate cost, they all pay the ultimate price, but also to honor those that have served in what they bring to the country, to the state, to the city and to other organizations,’ Harbison said. 

On Veterans Day at UTC, More than 4 veterans received a quilt of valor for their remarkable service.. 

But, the future looks bright as UTC also offers local veterans a scholarship 

“Every year, a scholarship recipient is added to the list, and it is gone through criteria, pieces that we select.” said Robert Dorsett, Veterans Affairs at UTC.

Robert Dorsett with UTC, looks forward to many more Veteran celebrations in the future at UTC. 

“It is an event that we look forward to every year we go into and plan. We start planning, usually right away at the beginning of the school year. And so it is always an honor to be here, and to be with my fellow veterans,” Dorsett concluded.