Modesto Junior College Veterans Services and MJC Health Services will present speaker Jeremiah Pauley, a participant in the Wounded Warrior Project’s “Warrior Speaks” program on Thursday, Sept. 12, at 6p.m. on the East Campus Quad, 435 College Ave., Modesto. The free event is open to the public and on campus parking is available for $1 in student parking lots.

Pauley, who served in the U.S. Army for 11 years, will describe his military service, how he was injured, and how the Wounded Warrior Project has assisted him and many other wounded veterans. His military journey in the airborne infantry ultimately took him to Tal Afar, Iraq, where he was injured by a roadside bomb. Due to his wounds, Pauley was medically retired from the Army as a staff sergeant in 2007. His awards include the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry Badge. His story is one of turning negative events in life into positive actions that serve others.

The community event will open with bagpipes and a Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard, and the program will close with a moment of silence to remember troops who have fallen in service to their country, as well as those still serving in harm’s way. A writing table will be available for attendees to write letters that will be forwarded to troops who are currently serving in the military.

The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and enlisting the public’s aid for the needs of injured service member. The organization helps wounded military to assist one another, and provides programs and services to meet their needs.

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org. For more information on the Warrior Speaks event contact Darci Andres in MJC Health Services at 575-7803.