WOODVILLE – Wilkinson County Correctional Facility (WCCF) recently had two Veterans Day programs to honor its staff and offenders who served in the military. The veterans received tokens of appreciation and a special Veterans Day meal.

The first program, which also served as a community relations meeting, focused on the WCCF staff and members of the local community. A total of eight staff members were recognized for their military service.

Members of WCCF’s Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) served as the color guard for the program. The colors were retired by the Wilkinson County Wildcat Battalion, students of the Wilkinson County High School Junior ROTC.

During the second program, organized by Chapman and Chaplain Roscoe Barnes III, WCCF honored 24 offenders who are military veterans. The program was conducted “by and for the offenders,” said Chapman. “This was the first time such a program was ever held for the offenders,” he added.