The President of Kaskaskia College, Dr. James C. Underwood, a U.S. Army veteran, distinguished veteran leader and an accomplished educator, will be honored today as the Illinois Veteran of the Month for November 2013.  Underwood’s 25-year military career began with service in Vietnam in the late 1960’s and concluded following the first Gulf War in 1993, having commanded from the platoon to the battalion-level.  He and his wife Roxie, a retired educator, reside in Centralia.  He was nominated by Earl White, Veterans Service Officer, Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Southern District.  Underwood became the President of Kaskaskia College in 2001 and has championed veteran- and military-friendly programs and services at the school during his tenure.  Under his leadership Kaskaskia College has been named “GI-Friendly” for the past 5 years, created an on-campus Veterans Service Office, and hosted the Enduring Freedom Celebration each year since 2001.  He is also a distinguished academic leader with awards and published works.  A ceremony will take place at 11 AM in the Lifelong Learning Center on the Main Campus in Centralia.  Rodrigo Garcia, the IDVA Assistant Director, will present the award on behalf of Governor Pat Quinn, which includes a framed proclamation as well as a State Flag.