Forrest County Campus Veterans Day speaker calls his service, ‘A big leap’
Alvin Pittman vividly recalls the pride that came in high school of putting on the military uniform for the first time as Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC).
“That experience prepared me for the next step,” said Pittman, who currently serves as Director of Public Safety at Pearl River Community College and as Youth Pastor at Gateway Baptist Church in Lumberton. “I joined the Miss. Army National Guard. That was a big leap for me.”
Then came basic training in Fort Benning, Ga. “That was the first time I ever left the state of Mississippi. It was a life-changing experience for me. It strips you down and builds you back up to be strong, not such physically, but mentally and emotionally. It was then that I learned corps values I still use today that still shape how I am today.”
Pittman told students and others attending the Veterans Day observance at the Forrest County Campus of PRCC that this day is not just a day for us, but a day for every American.
“My military journey took me from Fort Benning for basic training to Iraq, where I served during Operation Enduring Freedom (2005–2006),” said Pittman. “Over the years, I served in multiple units across South Mississippi, ultimately retiring from Camp Shelby Joint Training Site in November 2024, after 22 years.”
Dr. Jana Causey, Vice President for the Forrest County Campus, welcomed the crowd. She urged students in attendance to register to vote.
“That is a great way to honor the sacrifices of those we are here to honor today,” she said. “Veterans, thank you for your service. We are forever grateful for your sacrifice.”
Faculty, staff and students also heard a special performance from the Hattiesburg High School choir.
