November 4, 2024
East Central Community College (ECCC) will recognize and honor military veterans and service members at its annual Military Appreciation Breakfast on Monday, November 11, 2024. The event, open to all community veterans and military personnel, begins at 7 a.m. in the Gold Room of Mabry Cafeteria on the ECCC campus in Decatur.
Lieutenant Colonel David Alexander (Ret.), a distinguished veteran with over 31 years of service in the Mississippi Army National Guard, will serve as this year’s keynote speaker. Lieutenant Colonel Alexander began his military career in April 1992 as a Food Service Specialist with the 4th Battalion, 114th Field Artillery Regiment in Decatur. In 2000, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant after completing Officer Candidate School at Camp Shelby, marking the beginning of a decorated leadership career.
Throughout his service, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander mobilized multiple times in support of significant operations, including Operation Noble Eagle in 2003 and 2008, providing air defense in Washington, D.C., and at President George W. Bush’s ranch in Texas. He also deployed to Iraq in 2011 for Operation New Dawn and supported key state missions, including relief efforts for Hurricane Katrina and the Jackson Water Crisis. He retired in June 2023 as Battalion Commander of the 1st Battalion 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment in Newton, MS.
Today, Lieutenant Colonel Alexander remains active in his community, owning and operating MilDawg Strength and Conditioning in Philadelphia, MS, with a second location in Louisville. He is deeply involved in community service as Chairman of the Community Development Partnership Board, a member of the Philadelphia Tourism Board, and a volunteer with both the Mississippi Army National Guard Family Programs and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
In addition to the keynote address, the event will feature the National Anthem performed by ECCC vocal students directed by Chandler Smith, and a color presentation by BSA Troop 46 under Scoutmaster Rick Berryhill’s direction. Tiffany Elkins, ECCC’s Director of Bands, will conclude the event with a moving rendition of Taps.
For more information about the Military Appreciation Breakfast, please contact James Miller, Vice President for Student Services and Enrollment Management, at 601-635-6375 or jmiller@eccc.edu.
