Liam HalawithMaroon Echoes Editor Bright and early Tuesday, November 12th, morning, veterans and students gathered in the Mount Pleasant Community High School Commons for the annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast.
Regular people from all walks of life and from all branches of the military came together this morning. They all had one thing in common: they choose to serve their country and that day the community chooses to honor their service. A hearty breakfast Buffett was prepared by the high school Culinary III students, directed by their teacher Mrs. Marjorie Beckman. The event was organized by Mrs. Jessi Rich, an English teacher at the high school, who herself served in the Iowa Army National Guard for several years before going back to school to become a teacher. According to Rich, the event was organized, “To connect our students with community members who have served.” Students and staff were asked to sign up and bring a veteran they admired. They were encouraged to provide a photo for a Wall of Honor that is updated every year with photos of service members. High school students were also encouraged to sign a note of thanks on a banner that was on display for all to see. Every single person in the room had a story to tell, one of hardship, discipline, and grit. Here are a few examples: Mr. Ronald Welker was stationed in Germany in the 1980s, during the heights of the Cold War. He worked in military intelligence, and to this day he’s not allowed to discuss any details. Mr. Fred Ochsner worked in the U.S. Army as a combat engineer and mechanic. He loved traveling all over the globe going from base to base. In 5 ½ years, he traveled from Germany to Kentucky to Texas and then to Korea. His transition into normal civilian life was difficult, “It was hard to go from active duty with a set structure, and set responsibilities, to civilian life where you don’t have any of that.” To conclude the event the Chamber Choir sang the Star-Spangled Banner and God Shall Wipe All Tears. They were directed by Marlene DePriest. Mr. Jones and the FFA bused tables for the event. Mrs. Patterson collected photos for the photo wall. A very special thank you to our local veterans for your service, and to the many other teachers and students who helped with the planning, execution and brought guests. Thank you for your support!
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Maroon Echoes StaffAdvisor- Ronnie Waggoner Archives
November 2020
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