Daniels Center Director Hilary Miller, left, presents the inaugural Veteran Employer Award to Jimmy Hiller, owner of title sponsor Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical, Thursday, Aug. 25, during the fifth annual Veteran Impact Celebration at MTSU in the Student Union Ballroom. Nearly 250 people attended the fundraiser for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Among those attending the fifth annual Veteran Impact Celebration at MTSU in the Student Union Ballroom Thursday, Aug. 25, were, from left, Charlie Daniels Jr., Hazel Daniels, Daniels Center Director Hilary Miller and Jimmy Hiller, owner of title sponsor Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical. The MTSU veterans center is named for Hazel and the late country music legend Charlie Daniels. Hiller received the inaugural Veteran Employer Award. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

CDs and T-shirts provided by former MTSU student and country music star Chris Young were part of the numerous auction items up for bid from people attending the fifth annual Veteran Impact Celebration Thursday, Aug. 25, in the Student Union Ballroom at MTSU. Thousands of dollars from auction proceeds will benefit the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Combat veteran and entertainer Keni Thomas performs the song, "Not Me," to wrap up his one-hour storytelling and music performance Thursday, Aug. 25, during the fifth annual Veteran Impact Celebration at MTSU in the Student Union Ballroom. A recipient of a Bronze Star for valor and American Patriot Award, Thomas was part of special operations in Somalia in 1993. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Doug Kreulen, right, receives the inaugural Veteran Leadership Award from Daniels Center Director Hilary Miller Thursday, Aug. 25, at the fifth annual Veteran Impact Celebration at MTSU in the Student Union Ballroom. Kreulen is a retired U.S. Air Force colonel who served 27 years. His is president and CEO of the Metro Nashville Airport Authority. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)