College of the Ozarks Fall Patriotic Film Festival to honor Vietnam Veterans

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks will welcome three distinguished Veterans -- Captain John Sorensen, Seargent Major Eddie Neas, and Colonel John Clark -- during select showings of the Fall Patriotic Film Festival at The Keeter Center, showing on select dates in October and November, through Nov. 11. Their remarkable stories of courage, sacrifice, and faith bring history to life and remind audiences of the cost of freedom.

The showings are free, and the public is encouraged to attend. For a schedule of showtimes, visit https://cofo.edu/Fall-Film-Festival

“The College is deeply honored to host these American heroes in person,” said Valorie Coleman, director of communication and public relations. “Their presence transforms each showing into more than a film; it becomes a living testimony of sacrifice and service. Students, alumni, and community members are invited to attend and join in honoring these Veterans.”

Showtimes with Honored Guests:

Nov. 6, 2 pm – Guest: Colonel John Clark, United States Air Force (Ret.), former POW. (Vietnam 101 Patriotic Film Festival, Royal Oak Forum at The Keeter Center) Colonel John Clark, U.S. Air Force pilot and former prisoner of war, recounts his harrowing experience after being shot down over Vietnam and imprisoned at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. His resilience, faith, and patriotism inspire all who hear his testimony.

Nov. 7, 10 am – Guest: Seargent Major Eddie Neas, United States Marine (Ret.). (Vietnam 101 Patriotic Film Festival, Royal Oak Forum at The Keeter Center). Seargent Major Eddie Neas reflects on his decades of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, highlighting themes of honor, sacrifice, and lifelong commitment to country.

Nov. 11, 2 pm & 7 pm – Guest: Captain John Sorensen, United States Army (Vietnam helicopter pilot). (Vietnam 101 Patriotic Film Festival, Royal Oak Forum at The Keeter Center) Captain John Sorensen, a Vietnam helicopter pilot, shares insights from his distinguished Army career, highlighting leadership, discipline, and the enduring strength of brotherhood in combat. His story reveals how bonds formed under fire carried soldiers through extraordinary challenges.

These Veterans have previously traveled with students through the College’s Patriotic Education Travel Program, where their testimonies left a lasting impression. Their participation in this festival continues that mission by passing their legacy of courage and devotion to the next generation.

All films will be shown at 2 p.m. in the Royal Oak Forum of The Keeter Center (doors open 30 minutes prior), with the exceptions of a Nov. 7 showtime of 10 am and Nov. 11 having both a 2 pm and a 7 pm show. Admission is free, and seating is limited.

For additional information, contact Public Relations Director Valorie Coleman at (417) 690-2212.

About College of the Ozarks

College of the Ozarks is a private, Christian, liberal arts college, located in Point Lookout, Missouri, on a 1,000-acre campus. Christian values, hard work, and fiscal responsibility comprise the fundamental building blocks of the “Hard Work U.” experience. The College earns numerous accolades yearly, including No. 2 Best Performers on Social Mobility-Regional Colleges in the Midwest and No. 4 Best Regional College in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report for 2024-2025 and No. 2 Best Bang for the Buck by Washington Monthly, 2025. To achieve its vision, the College pursues academic, vocational, Christian, patriotic, and cultural goals. These goals are mirrored in School of the Ozarks, a laboratory school that completes the K-college model.

The Keeter Center — the College’s award-winning lodge, restaurant, and conference facility — earns awards consistently, including the TripAdvisor Best of the Best Award 2024 for dining, Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2025 for lodging, and the Readers’ Choice Awards 2024 from ConventionSouth magazine for meeting and event spaces. The Keeter Center features historic lodging, fine dining, and meeting rooms. With more than 350 student workers, it is the largest workstation on campus.