BHCC Celebrates Veterans Day
Monday, November 10, 2025
Bunker Hill Community College honored its veteran community with its annual Veterans Day celebration. The event began with a moving performance of the national anthem by BHCC student veteran Bertie Franklin.
Peter Troiano, BHCC’s Academic Coordinator for Veteran Services, welcomed attendees and spoke about the significance of Veterans Day. He recognized all military-affiliated attendees representing every branch of the United States Armed Forces.
Troiano also highlighted the recent fundraising success of the BHCC Student Veterans Organization (SVO), which participated in the 16th annual Run to Home Base at Fenway Park. This annual event raises funds for Home Base, an organization dedicated to providing lifesaving clinical care to veterans and their families, with a focus on treating the invisible wounds of war.
Katrina Echevarria, Veteran Outreach Manager for Home Base, then spoke about the organization’s mission and ongoing support opportunities available to veterans.
Bob Ehrreich, 2025–2026 President of the BHCC Student Veterans Organization, shared updates on the group’s recent initiatives and outlined future plans for supporting student veterans throughout the coming year.
Following this, student veterans Becca Westerheide and JB Thompson joined Troiano for a panel discussion. Their openness in sharing their experiences as student veterans at BHCC inspired attendees to reflect on how we can all better support members of the veteran community.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Dean of Students, Justice Kumahia, who thanked everyone for attending and once again recognized all veterans present.
Bunker Hill Community College will be closed on Tuesday, November 11th, 2025, in observance of Veterans Day. BHCC extends heartfelt gratitude to all who have served, are currently serving, and to the families and loved ones who support them.