2007 Veteran's Day Program
Local veterans provide students with living
history lesson
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World War II Air Force
veteran Ron Halpin talks about his experiences as a
radio operator and prisoner. |
The audience cheered
for the military veterans as they marched into the Port Jervis
Middle School auditorium. Some were dressed in their cherished
military uniforms. Others wore veterans’ association caps,
shirts, and jackets. All beamed with pride at the heroes’
welcome they received from the capacity crowd of students,
teachers, district staff, and community leaders who gathered to
hear their stories.
Representing the Army,
Air Force, and Marines were local veterans Ron Halpin, Mitch
Winkler, Henry Czeck, Hank Neumann, John Mason, and Bob
Van Derver.
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Port
Jervis graduate and Army veteran John Mason told
students to stay in school and get a good education.
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This is the second
year Middle School social studies teacher Patricia Aumick
invited the local veterans to talk to the eight grade classes
about their experiences in the U. S. Armed Forces. In
celebration of Veterans Day, the group of retired servicemen -
which included veterans from World War II, Korean War, and
Vietnam – spent the morning of Nov. 9 sharing stories and
answering questions.
Inquisitive about the military, the students asked the veterans
questions that covered everything from what they eat and how
much training they received to what was their most memorable
experience. One by one, the veterans responded with candid
answers.
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Looking back, all of
the veterans agreed that coming home and seeing their families
for the fist time after serving in the war was their most
cherish memory. “It was the greatest feeling in the world,” said
Henry Czeck, who joined the Marine Corps in 1947 at age 17.
During his 26 years of military service, Czeck fought in the
Korean War, served two tours of duty in Vietnam, toured Europe,
and received a college education. “I’m extremely proud to have
served my country,” says Czeck.
Czeck, who helped organize the assembly, thanked the students
for providing the veterans with the opportunity to tell their
stories. “Thirty or forty years ago, we were setting in school
like you – wondering what the world would do for us and what we
would do for the world,” said Czeck. Challenging the students to
take their education seriously and make the most of your lives,
he told them to “Be proud – you are Americans. And, in a few
years, you will be the leaders of our community – of our great
nation.”
Special thanks to all of the veterans who
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