The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Students Include Janitor and Teacher In Salute of Soldiers Currently In the Iraqi War.
by Tye Kage, Lauren Mayberry
With a gymnasium filled with students from Union School District #115, students, family, and community members gathered to pledge support and honor soldiers ready for deployment and veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The solemn assembly began with a Color Guard procession by the Gladstone VFW, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance lead by Union High School students Megan Clark and Jacob Sanning.
The Union School band performed the Star Spangled Banner while Ms. Ferguson, the district's music teacher, sang our National Anthem. Many students, teachers, and community members became teary-eyed as the music played.
Elementary Principal Ms. Jill Colley was the master of ceremonies. She began by showing a gift sent from Mr. Jess Amos, who is serving in Log Base, Baghdad.
Mr. Amos was a math teacher at Union High School when he left to serve in Iraq.
Sgt. Mooney who serves in the Illinois Army National Guard, spoke, explaining the many advantages and skills he has developed in the army.
He said, "I have gained friendships that will last a lifetime. I have gained a pride in our country, military, and myself."
Sgt. Mooney was deployed for a special operations mission in Afghanistan in December of 2001.
He was on a search and hunt mission for Ben Laden and other "bad guys". He told the students they were to go in where the "bad guys are and bring them back out."
He said he learned about strength from self, the importance of family and support from your community and the nation.
"It's the biggest thiing. It can make them or break them, he said.
"The support you guys give is the so important: They are there for us. Please, if you see a veteran, tell them how much you appreciate them."
He emphasized that this is the most important thing we can do for our country and its servicemen and women, is to let them know you appreciate them and support them, and helps them get through.
Justin Allaman and Dustin Chandler recited a poem and 1st graders presented Mr. Norris Crooks, school janitor, with cards of support and encouragement.
The Gladstone VFW and a moment of silence ended the ceremony with the retiring of the U.S. flag.
Ms. Dawn Ferguson, UHS Music Director leads Union students in a medley of military theme songs as veterans stood as their song was played. Above Tony Patlan and Russell Lliston stood to the U.S. Army theme song.
Veterans and members of the Gladstone VFW, retire the flag. They are Steve Ohler, Bob Mc Graw, Huck Lumbeck and Butch Slover.