Morrison High School American Government Teacher Brian Bartoz orchestrated a seventh, meaningful, Veterans Day Recognition Assembly, on Thursday, November 7, 2023, from 11:40 a.m. to 12:20 p.m. Held in the auditorium, the purpose was to provide an opportunity for students and staff to recognize those who have served in the Armed Forces. Sixteen veterans were seated onstage with event speakers.
The Armed Forces Medley was projected on screen via You/Tube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyKfr8G0Qc), accompanied by spontaneous singing. There was popular music (“God Bless the USA”); two Choir pieces, “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “In Flanders Fields”; “Taps” was played by Hunter McNeece.
Retired Chief Petty Officer Jerry Brearton offered Opening Remarks and Reflections on his years in the U. S. Navy. He joined in 1984 and retired in 2010, “after 25 years, 11 months, and two days.”
U. S. Army Staff Sergeant Alexander Walchak-Coates, left, works at the Dixon, IL, Office and recruits Military Police. Petty Officer 1st Class Staff Sergeant Brandon Williamson is from Rock Island, IL. He is trained in U. S. Navy Navigation and Missile Maintenance. Simply put, he “tells subs and missiles where to go.” Walchak-Coates acknowledged MHS staff members who were not present: Kevin Kilker (U. S. Army) and Jessica Baldwin (U. S. Air Force.)
Principal David Mills introduced one-of-two Senior students who are enlistees in the Illinois Army National Guard: Lucien Milnes. An anonymous student chose not to appear. Milnes was presented with a certificate.
Alex Williams, a member of Whiteside County Board, gave the Keynote Address. He joined the military at age 18 in 1996 and served until 2000. He set up a communication system that is still in place.
The National Honor Society chapter and Key Club served a light lunch to veterans at 12:30 p.m., allowing them to converse. Bartoz stated, “The simple meal is a gesture of our collective appreciation for their service.” He took the photo. In alphabetical order are Austin Boonstra, Bella Duncan, Alli Ferguson, Blake Huizenga, MaKenzie Neas, Tyler Peters, Elise Richards, and Camryn Veltrop.
Bartoz urged veterans to visit classrooms, with Kilker’s Personal Finance class and Bartoz’s American Government students. Veterans discussed stories of military service and answered questions. Pictured left-to-right are Lloyd DeShane (U. S. Navy); Staff Sergeant Brandon Williamson (U. S. Navy); Staff Sergeant Alexander Walchak-Coates (U. S. Army); Lonnie Rice (U. S. Air Force), and Gayle Cook (U. S. Air Force.) Sergeant Cook was a Coded Messages Operator. She and her husband served in Alaska in the 1970s.
