KILGORE, Texas (KETK)-- On Monday morning, Kilgore College paid tribute to the men and women of the armed forces who proudly call the campus home.

The ceremony opened with remarks from Dr. Philip Parnell, a U.S. Air Force veteran who served from 1985 to 1993 and now serves as KC’s Vice President of Student Engagement.

Parnell presented the prestigious Veterans Hero Award to alumnus Sergeant Daniel Matthews, a Marine whose courage and dedication reflect the highest ideals of service.

Matthews began his studies at Kilgore College in 2024 after serving more than 17 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant. His career included multiple overseas deployments to Kosovo, Iraq, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan, earning him numerous commendations for bravery and lead

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