Operation Black Sheep founder to speak at Veterans Day Ceremony

Operation Black Sheep founder, Muskegon Community College (MCC) alumnus, and 15-year U.S. Army Veteran Robert Bowyer will be the featured speaker at the college’s Veterans Day Ceremony. The event, to include a 21-gun salute, will be held on Thursday, November 10, 2022, at 2:30 p.m. at MCC’s Health and Wellness Center at 221 South Quarterline Road in Muskegon. 

 

 

After graduating from MCC and Grand Valley State University, Bowyer and fellow MCC graduate Chris Lieffers started Operation Black Sheep. The non-profit organization engages veterans, members of the military, and civilians through the restoration and maintenance of a patrol boat used in the Vietnam War. This project has captured both national and global media attention recognizing their efforts to put veterans and their community first. “It has proven to be a healing and rewarding organization to run,” Bowyer said.  

 

 

Bowyer served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade both as an Infantrymen and as a Parachute Rigger. While serving, he deployed twice to Afghanistan Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) VI & VIII where he served in variety of roles. After leaving active duty, Robert enlisted in the Army Reserves where he served under the 321st Psychological Operations Company based out of Walker, Michigan. 

 

 

MCC’s Veterans Day Ceremony will include several special guests such as the Muskegon County Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Colonial Dames, and many others. MCC Board Trustee and US Air Force Veteran Nancy Frye, will open the event with a reflection. Musical performances will be presented by MCC College Singers, MCC String Quartet, and MCC Wind Ensemble. 

 

 

Muskegon Community College, a Gold Level Veteran-Friendly School, offers 54 associate degree programs and 32 certificate programs in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa counties. Located on a 100-acre scenic campus, MCC is consistently recognized as one of the top community colleges in the state of Michigan.