Indian Lake High School students were moved by the stories of two special veterans during this year's ILHS Veterans Day Luncheon and Celebration.
Dozens of local veterans and some active members of the military gathered for a hearty meal in the ILHS Auxiliary gym served by members of the ILHS Key Club. They also received "thank you" gifts and cards my by elementary students.
Then they moved into the Auditorium for a recognition ceremony. Each veteran was introduced as they entered the assembly and escorted to their seat. ILHS Student Council members led the Pledge of Allegiance and senior Owen Kaser sang the National Anthem.
Army Special Forces Veteran and Master-rated Skydiver Donald Willis shared his story of finding his dream in the military. He served in the Army two different times in his career and found his greatest inspiration during his tours.
Willis advised the study body, "Even if you're fearful of it, try try try something until you find what you love and when you do, I promise you, you will have a great and happy life."
Willis recently wrote a book on Calculus with publishing help from ILHS Advanced Math Teacher Alexis Scheiderer and recent graduates Creek Wischmeyer and Heidi Hoffman.
In addition, Logan County Commissioner and 1973 ILHS alum Joe Antram presented his classmate, Army veteran Garis Pugh, with a special flag that flew over the Logan County Courthouse during the month of August.
Pugh, a local Vietnam War vet and Purple Heart recipient, shared one of his favorite war stories.
"I was in the Army, but I was stationed on a Marine artillery base on the DMZ in Vietnam. It just happened to be the 10th day of November, which is the anniversary of the Marine Corps. So we got a crazy idea." He continued, "We baked a three layer cake--we had cake mix our moms had sent to us-- we baked it in an electric skillet and melted a tropical chocolate bar to ice it...We presented that to the Marine Corps soldiers the next day as just a fun thing to do."
They later found out their birthday cake gesture had made the Stars and Stripes, a military newsletter.
As the program continued, ILHS students explained the significance of the folds of the flag and trumpeter Maddie Leiss-Breakey played "Taps." The ILHS Chorale concluded the ceremony with a rendition of The Battle Hymn of the Republic.
The event ended with students personally thanking the veterans and getting photos with loved ones.
This Veterans Day, Indian Lake High School will once again host our area's finest.
Tuesday, November 11th at 12 noon, Indian Lake veterans and their guests are invited to an afternoon of celebration and recognition. Join us in honoring those who served and those who are currently serving with a hearty lunch followed by an assembly. As part of the ceremony, the Logan County Commissioners will present a flag flown at the courthouse to one honorable Indian Lake veteran in recognition of their distinguished service.
Indian Lake Schools is proud to provide this opportunity for students and the community to come together in appreciation of the men and women who have served our country. Please RSVP with your name, branch of service and guests who will be attending, by Friday, November 7th. You may call the school at (937) 686-8851 ext. 4215 or the high school office with your information.