Panola College to host Veterans Day Lunch Box Lecture and food drive

Panola College will commemorate Veterans Day with a special Lunch Box Lecture featuring Dr. Laura Tohe on Wednesday, November 11, at 11:30 a.m. in the Frances B. Ross Ballroom, located inside the Charles C. Matthews Foundation Student Center. The event will highlight the remarkable contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers during World War II and honor the service and sacrifices of American veterans.

Tohe, the daughter of one of the original Navajo Code Talkers, will present From “Chief” to Code Talker: Four Profiles of the Navajo Code Talkers. Her presentation will explore the experiences of four Navajo Code Talkers who played a vital role in American military history.

During World War II, a select group of young Navajo men enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, unaware that they would be called upon to develop a secret military code. Using their native language, the Code Talkers created a communication system that was fast, accurate, and never broken by enemy forces. Their efforts helped protect military operations and save countless American lives.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome Dr. Tohe to Panola College for this special Veterans Day presentation,” said Penni Ratley, Director of Library Services at Panola College. “This is a wonderful opportunity for our students, employees, and community members to hear the personal stories behind an important part of American history. We hope everyone will join us as we honor our veterans and recognize the extraordinary contributions of the Navajo Code Talkers.”

In conjunction with the Veterans Day lecture, Panola College will partner with Pippen Motor Company and EAG Dodge Carthage to host a food drive benefiting local veterans’ organizations and the on-campus Panola Pantry. Community members are encouraged to donate nonperishable food and hygiene items at either dealership from November 1 through November 11.

The Veterans Day Lunch Box Lecture is free and open to the public, with lunch provided to the first 100 guests in attendance. Community members are encouraged to attend the presentation and participate in the food drive as Panola College honors those who have served while giving back to the local community.