Polk State holds Veterans Day event to recognize service

To recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice of the nation’s military members, and the 251st birthday of the U.S. Marine Corps, Polk State College hosted a Veterans Day event on Tuesday, November 10, at its Winter Haven Campus. The keynote speaker was Maj. Gen. James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA).

A retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General, Hartsell was appointed to his post by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2021. The agency employs nearly 1,500 people and oversees a $200 million annual budget to serve Florida’s more than 1.4 million veterans through nine State Veterans’ Homes and statewide outreach connecting veterans with benefits, services, and support. In 2023, Hartsell served as elected president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs.

“The liberty that we enjoy is a rare commodity in the world today,” Hartsell said. “In America, we enjoy it in large part because of those personal sacrifices made by our military and our veterans on behalf of themselves, their families, and their fellow citizens. Many around the world dream of and hope for the very freedom, liberty, equality, justice, economic, and educational opportunities that we in America enjoy on a daily basis.”

Hartsell served 37 years in the Marine Corps, beginning as an enlisted Marine in 1981. His distinguished military career included deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, command of the 4th Marine Division, and senior leadership roles with U.S. Pacific Command and the Department of Defense. He earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit. Alongside his military service, he built a 22-year civilian career in the healthcare industry and later joined the Pasco Sheriff’s Office before joining FDVA’s leadership team in 2019.

“Veterans are American citizens who gave more to their country than they ever took from it,” Hartsell added. “It is an honor to have been a veteran. Today, tomorrow, the next day, and in the weeks and years to come, I urge you all to find a veteran – a fellow classmate, someone at the grocery store, in your church, in your families – and let them know you recognize them because they’re a veteran and let them know you appreciate them for what they did during their time in their service.”

Hartsell awarded an FDVA Challenge Coin to Aracely Rivera, an active-duty U.S. Air Force member and a Department of War SkillBridge student at Polk State, for being the youngest military member in the room.

Polk State student and Air Force veteran Matthew Malott, who is currently pursuing an Associate in Science in Nursing, addressed the crowd and compared the camaraderie of the program to his time in the service.

“One of the things that I miss from my time in the service is that there were so many individuals from all walks of life who came together for a common cause,” Malott explained. “Between the students, faculty, and deans here at Polk State, you can tell this is a place that is united. That’s especially true of the Nursing Program. We united around common causes: we want to make a difference; we want to advocate for people; we want to help people.”

Polk State’s commitment to military-connected students extends beyond Veterans Day. Since 2025, the College has held the Florida Collegiate Purple Star Campus designation, awarded by the Florida Department of Education to institutions that demonstrate a commitment to supporting military families, including active-duty service members and veterans.

“This is an institution committed to our veterans and military-connected families,” said LJ Russum, Professor of Humanities and a faculty liaison to the College’s Veterans Services Office. “We have an administration that is committed. Our Veterans Service Office is committed to creating opportunities through education and internships. When I have veterans come into my office, I tell them to get a degree, get a job, build a house here, start a family here, and to send their kids to Polk State. We’re building a community.”

The College supports more than 400 active-duty service members, reservists, National Guard members, veterans, and their family members each year. Military members, veterans, and their families interested in learning more about Polk State’s programs and resources can visit the College’s Veterans Services page.

“Veterans Day provides an opportunity to recognize the courage, commitment, and sacrifices of the men and women who have served our country,” said Polk State President Anastasios Kamoutsas. “We were honored to welcome Maj. Gen. James S. ‘Hammer’ Hartsell to campus and hear from him about his distinguished military career and continued dedication to serving Florida’s veterans. At Polk State, we are proud to support students like Matthew who have served, along with active-duty military members and their families, as they pursue their educational goals and prepare for their futures.”

The event took place in the Winter Haven Fine Arts Gallery hosting the Our Flag in American Art exhibit, which has been extended through Friday in honor of Veterans Day. The exhibit features distinguished works from artists spanning multiple generations, exploring the evolving symbolism of the American flag and its connection to national identity. The celebration also featured free food for students and veterans provided by Lakeland-based Mission BBQ.