PHOTO GALLERY: Columbia College hosts Military Recognition Day

May 24, 2012 | 8:02 p.m. CDT

Col. George Boyd was the honored guest Thursday at Columbia College’s fifth annual Military Recognition Day. The college, which has 18 locations on military bases, prides itself on its connection to service members. Boyd was there to present the Col. Charles E. McGee Scholarship, named for an alumnus of the school.

From left, Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Mark Lee, Cadet Spencer Alexander, Sergeant Jared J. Reichel and Senior Airman Nathan Rardon, members of the Color Guard, carry the American and Columbia College flags onto Bass Commons during Military Recognition Day on Thursday at Columbia College. During the presentation and raising of the flags, the Color Guard holds the flags close to their body as it is their duty to protect the flags.

| Carrie Durkee

Col. George Boyd speaks at Military Recognition Day and presents the Col. Charles E. McGee Scholarship on Thursday on Bass Commons at Columbia College. *Boyd was an original Tuskegee Airman. Boyd retired as a major in the U.S. Air Force; his designation of colonel is with the Civil Air Patrol. | Carrie Durkee

Mattie Shepard-Boyd, center, watches as her husband, Col. George M. Boyd, speaks at Military Recognition Day on Thursday on Bass Commons at Columbia College. The two met while she served in the military as a lieutenant colonel. They were married almost 50 years ago in Hawaii. | Carrie Durkee

From left, Senior Airman Nathan Rardon, Sgt. Jared J. Reichel, Cadet Spencer Alexander and Petty Officer Second Class Anthony Mark Lee salute after raising the flags during Military Recognition Day on Thursday on Bass Commons at Columbia College. | Carrie Durkee