Vietnam War Veterans Day ceremony Friday at Tinnin Center

The Vietnam War Veterans Day Ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center on the Three Rivers College Campus.

LCDR Larry Kimbrow, USN (Ret) is president of the Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter #1056), but he’ll be wearing a new hat. Kimbrow was selected by Rep. Jeff Shawan to serve as the official Veteran Liaison for the 153rd Legislative District.

Describing Kimbrow as “one of the area’s most respected voices on veterans’ issues,” Shawan said, Kimbrow will serve in this new position dedicated to assisting those with military service.

Kimbrow said, he’s “really excited for the opportunity to have a voice in veterans affairs even at the state level.”

He is an advisor for the Veterans Service Officer and the Veterans Administration Volunteer Services group, a new organization started by Dr. Patricia Hall, John J. Pershing VA Medical Center director.

Shawan said he created the position to serve as a valuable resource and contact point for the many men and women in the area who have served their country. He said Kimbrow is an ideal choice because of his nearly three decades of service in the United States Navy, and his continued commitment to helping veterans through his service and leadership in numerous veterans organizations.

“Larry Kimbrow is a true hero and someone who has served our nation faithfully throughout his life. He has given an immense amount to our community, our state, and our nation, and he continues to serve through his work with the American Legion, the VFW, and the Vietnam Veterans of America,” said Shawan. “I know he will make an outstanding liaison who can be a great source of information and assistance for his fellow veterans.”

Kimbrow most recently worked at Three Rivers Community College as associate dean of career and technical education, Dean of Career Education and Workforce Development, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Executive Vice President. Prior to that, Kimbrow served in the United States Navy for 28 years in a combined enlisted and officer status.

Following his military service, Kimbrow has been an active member in the American Legion, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, and the Military Officers Association of America. He previously served as post commander for AMVETS Post #29 and as the president of the Military Officers Association of America.

Legislators expected to attend the Friday program are guest speaker U.S. Rep. Jason Smith, Shawan, Sen. Doug Libla and Rep. Hardy Billington.

National Vietnam War Veterans Day honors the men and women who served and sacrificed during the longest conflict in U.S. history, according to information provided. March 29 was selected as National Vietnam War Veterans Day since it was the day on which combat and combat support units withdrew from South Vietnam.

Others on program Friday are Justin Hoggard of TRC, Chaplain Bruce Waring of the VAMC, SEMO Veterans Honor Guard, TRC student and choir member Mathew Pickard, VVA chapter 1056 vice president Gary Melton, VVA chapter 1056 treasurer Bardis Dismuke and Bill Hager, VVA chapter 1056 board member.