DOBSON — For the fourth year, veterans gathered in the Knight’s Grill at Surry Community College on Tuesday for a complimentary lunch and a program to honor their service.

Veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps were present for the event as well as some active duty soldiers. With the help of the Air Force JROTC from North Surry High School and the members of the SCC music program, the college put on a program complete with guest speakers to honor the area service men and women.

“I owe if not everything, almost everything, I am to the uniform. It’s amazing how many people will tell you that very same thing,” said Dr. Ashley Hinson, superintendent of Surry County Schools and a retired master sergeant in the Army. “You deserve the respect and gratitude of our nation. This room is filled with heroes.”

David Shore, the district commander for the American Legion District 18, spoke to the veterans and active duty members gathered about the American Legion, asking them to join. He spoke of the benefits of joining a veterans’ organization such as the American Legion or the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Mike Scott, the new veterans’ services officer for Surry County, spoke about what the Veterans’ Services offers to veterans.

“We assist veterans in the benefits they’re entitled to through the VA for themselves and their families,” he said.

The veterans and active duty soldiers gathered at the event were grateful for the opportunity to come together at SCC. They expressed their gratitude to the college for recognizing them and providing the opportunity.

“I think it’s really good that the college gets the veterans together and recognizes our service. It gives us all a feeling of cohesion and togetherness,” said Patrick Guyer, who served in the NC Army National Guard from 1957-60 and in the Air Force from 1960-64. “Some of the people I know because I’m a member of the American Legion. Some I don’t know. But it’s good for us to get together and see each other as a group.”

“It’s very, very nice. We really appreciate it,” said Don Belle, who served in the Air Force from 1973-96. “To me it’s almost humbling. We understand that society values its warriors. With the war going on now, the past warriors are getting a lot more attention than they’re used to. The warriors of the future will gauge their willingness to serve on the treatment of the warriors of the past.”

From World War II to the War on Terror, those in attendance spanned the years of service. Pete Carroll participated in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II and just went on the Triad Flight of Honor. He attended the event last year and also spoke to a history class at the college in March.

“I’m excited to be anywhere at my age,” the 93-year-old said with a laugh.

Garland Creed enlisted in the Army in April 26, 2004. He will complete his tour of service this April but plans to re-up for an additional six-year stint. He was stationed in Iraq in 2006-07 and thinks he may be going back. Creed is stationed with a transportation unit out of Winston-Salem.

“It has always been a dream of mine since I was 11- or 12-years-old,” he said of being in the Army. “The people’s support is what makes the military strong. It makes you feel a little better about some of the things you had to do.”

The opportunity to meet with some of the other veterans from the area was important for Creed.

“I’m a big war history buff. I like to talk to people about some of their experiences,” he said.

“We enjoy it. It’s a good thing they do,” said Mary Ruth, who was attending with Bobby Matthews, who served in the Army from 1960-67 in Germany.

Contact Morgan Wall at mwall@mtairynews.com or 719-1929.