chaptersinaction
can ask to get the interview started, such as “What is a veteran?” As a way to spark students’ inter-
est, Vietnam War veteran Lt. Larry Marshall, USN-Ret., brings with him a ceremonial sword, maps to show where he served, and medals he’s received, including his Purple Heart. Special forces officer Maj. Brian Remmey, USA-Ret., who served in the first Gulf War and later as a DoD contractor in Iraq and Afghanistan, also brings with him military memorabilia such as a deck of playing cards servicemembers used to identify the most-wanted members of former Iraq President Saddam Hussein’s government. “It’s an opportunity to share,” says
Remmey. “If I can give them a thirst to learn, then I have done my job.” Several weeks after the chap- ter members’ visits, they return to the schools to listen to presenta- tions from the children about what they’ve learned. Chapter members are greeted with hugs and hand- shakes from students who thank them for their service and offer gifts that range from potted plants to award medals made from cardboard. “By the time it’s over, I think the
students understand what it means to be a veteran, and they’ve learned that freedom is not free,” says Marshall.
Fostering patriotism among America’s youth In Florida, members of the Citrus County Chapter coordinate a simi- lar program called Veterans in the Classroom, which is held each year in early November. The program, one of many activities that take place during Citrus County’s Vet- erans Appreciation Week, allows servicemembers of all ranks who
are members of different veterans’ organizations to speak in local classrooms and share their personal military experiences as well as em- phasize the importance of civic duty and love of country. Cmdr. Bob Truax, USN-Ret., leads
the Veterans in the Classroom ef- fort and is assisted by fellow Citrus County chapter members Lt. Col. Hank Butler Jr., USA-Ret.; Rear Adm. Carlton McLeod, USN-Ret.; Cmdr. Ron Resare, USN- Ret.; and Lt. Cmdr. Gary Runyon, USN- Ret. Each year, chap- ter members contact area school super- intendents who request visits from veterans of different service branches and eras, from World War II to the recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mem-
bers then match each school’s re- quest against the list of veterans who participate in the program. According to Truax, 80 veterans visited with students in 196 class- rooms in Citrus County in Novem- ber 2010. Several of the veterans who participated are members of the “greatest generation.” “I think it’s important to get our
World War II veterans in the class- rooms while they can still share their experiences,” says Truax. Veterans often bring props to
illustrate what they did in the mili- tary. Runyon, a former naval aviator, brings an old flight helmet and tro- phy tail hook. “It’s a unique way for students to learn about the military side of
American history … from actual peo- ple who have been there, have done it, and can tell students what it was really like,” Runyon says.
from all eras and service branches teach area students about mili- tary history.
Service- members
Personalizing history Four members of the Luke (Ariz.) Chapter — Capt. Bob Madden, USA- Ret.; Capt. Ray Rodes, USAF-Ret.; Lt. Col. Tony Saputo, AUS-Ret.; and Col. Jerome Wojtas, USA-Ret. — have joined with mem- bers of other veter- ans’ organizations to participate in a community-wide outreach program through which ser- vicemembers from all eras and service branches teach area students about mili- tary history. In 2010, chapter members spoke to students in eight schools in the
northwest valley area outside Phoe- nix. Wojtas described what he had seen while serving overseas and spoke about the many freedoms we enjoy — and often take for granted — as Americans. Fellow chapter member Saputo donned his dress blues and brought military memorabilia to stimulate the students’ interest. Like Wojtas, he discussed the many sacrifices veter- ans have made to keep our country strong and encouraged the students to thank members of their families who are veterans. “To have an opportunity to speak with children about what ... a veteran [is] and receive their un- derstanding and smiles [makes it worthwhile],” says Saputo.
MARCH 2011 MILITARY OFFICER 45
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116 |
Page 117 |
Page 118 |
Page 119 |
Page 120 |
Page 121 |
Page 122 |
Page 123 |
Page 124 |
Page 125 |
Page 126 |
Page 127 |
Page 128 |
Page 129 |
Page 130 |
Page 131 |
Page 132