Annually on Nov. 11 every year the U.S. celebrates Veteran’s Day where we remember and celebrate those who have served in the military. MCHS goes the extra mile to take this opportunity to honor and spread awareness to these veterans and their service.
This year MCHS’ social studies classes gathered in the auditorium during their period to honor a panel of veterans who volunteered to come here, to talk, to share their stories, and to give advice to the students.
Students got to hear from Lolly Peters, Dave Shafer, Ray Hagerty, Colin Brennan, Derek Franzen, Raymond Andresen, Tim Kirk, Bob Haynes, Tom Bitterman, John Rickerd, and Joe Kalisek.
Students at Freshman Campus got to hear from James Wautelet, Barry Phelps, Duke Hazdra, Andrew Vaughn, Wilson Munoz, Brett Kinney, and Brad Opalinski.
After they all introduced themselves and talked about their roles in the forces, the veterans answered questions, shared insights, and offered advice.
“We have the strongest military on the planet through all the efforts of all the service members that came before us,” Kalisek says, “there’s a lot to tell about each of our individual stories and there’s so much more out there from those that have served.”
Students got to hear from Rickerd, a World War II veteran who took part in the battle of Iwo Jima. In this battle, American forces spent weeks trudging through the jungles of the island.
“People back then were so patriotic,” Rickerd says, “everyone just couldn’t wait to join and do their part.”
Rickerd explains how Iwo Jima was one of the hardest battles ever fought, but it was worth it.
“Believe me, if you’re going to fall into the service, don’t hesitate.” Rickerd says, “There are so many opportunities in the military that are given a chance to protect this beautiful land of ours, America.”
The panel talks about how because college isn’t for everyone the military is always an option. But, if you join because you hate going to class, there are classes and training in each branch wherever you go.
“I just want to talk to the ladies in the audience for a minute. When I joined, the opportunities were very small, now there are so many wonderful opportunities out there,” Lolly Peters says. “I didn’t want to go to college because college isn’t for everyone, so if it sounds like your thing, do your research and go for it.”
Despite the requirements, anyone can join as long as you are dedicated. Physical and mental toughness are just the basic requirements. When you join, you aren’t just committing for yourself, you’re also committing for those around you.
The military isn’t like it is in the movies either. Brave, American citizens actually put their lives on the line, directly in the face of danger for our country. The experiences these veterans had aren’t exaggerated enough.
Derek Franzen shared some insight on what he thought joining the military would be like when he was younger. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 2017-2021.
“Honestly I thought it would be kind of like ‘Call of Duty’,” Franzen says, “but it’s nothing like ‘Call of Duty’.”
Despite all the hardships of being in the military force, it’s bound to happen that veterans will make lifelong friendships.
“Relationships are what get you through it.” Franzen says, “Friendship drives you to keep going and makes the whole experience so much better.”
When we take the time to recognize, understand and honor veterans, we allow people in the present along with generations to come, to appreciate these stories and get an idea of how greatly the sacrifices were that these brave citizens have made for this country.
“You have a wonderful high school here,” Rickered says, “and I wish all of you the very best for wherever you’re going,”
“God bless America,” Haynes says.