Lt. Col. Oliver North speaks in Jackson

April 21, 2016

JACKSON, Tenn. — Decorated Marine, retired Lieutenant Colonel Oliver North took center stage in Jackson, Thursday night with one goal, raise money to help students attend college.

North was the featured speaker at the inaugural Jackson State Community College Foundation Banquet at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.

It is the mission of helping students that North said he holds very close to his heart. He is a decorated veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps who was also assigned to the national security council under President Ronald Reagan.

Reagan has referred to North as an American hero for his work against terrorism, but North said the true heroes are the ones who will benefit from the JSCC banquet. The non-traditional students, some of whom are veterans themselves, who are hoping to better their lives.

“Community college programs in America, especially this one, are very important to the future of this county,” North said. “We’re giving them an opportunity to get an associate’s degree and then go on to a four-year college and get a bachelor’s degree. That’s a tremendous opportunity for them they otherwise wouldn’t have. That’s why those non-traditional students at places like Jackson State mean so much to me.”

During his speech, North also touched on other issues close to his heart including the backing of our military, the constant fight against terrorism here and aboard and how veterans are the core of our society.