The Adair County High School Cadet Corps, led by Krystal Redmon, held their annual Veterans Day program on Monday. Numerous veterans attended, with members from all branches of the military represented.
The ceremony opened with a prayer by Jared Antle. Redmon followed with a speech about how fortunate we are to live in a country where we have the freedoms we enjoy today.
“What if I told you, that every single one of us in this room has already won the lottery, not a lottery where you win money, a new car, or live in a mansion…I’m talking about something far more valuable, the lottery of life,” Redmon said.
Following Redmon’s comments, the crowd watched a media arts video highlighting freedom and Veterans Day. Cadet Corps members then shared the stories of four veterans, recognizing their service and the experiences they faced during their time in the military.
U.S. Army veteran Jennifer E. Wrensch
Ellie Benson shared the story of U.S. Army veteran Jennifer E. Wrensch, who served as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division from 2006 to 2012.
Some of Wrensch’s most memorable experiences involved water jumps from UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters into lakes from heights of 1,000 to 1,250 feet. The jumps required extensive training, including learning how to escape from underneath a parachute underwater while wearing heavy equipment.
Wrensch said the experiences helped build her confidence and strengthened the bonds between the soldiers she served with.
U.S. Navy veteran Raymond Thomas Hawthorne
Kameron Feese presented the story of U.S. Navy veteran Raymond Thomas Hawthorne, who joined the Navy at 17. He trained in aviation electronics and worked aboard Navy aircraft, participating in antisubmarine warfare missions with Patrol Squadron 45.
His service took him to places such as Bermuda, Newfoundland and Greenland. One of his most memorable experiences was assisting with search-and-rescue missions after the USS Scorpion and its 99 sailors went missing in May 1968.
He also served in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.
U.S. Army veteran Sammy Hughes
Hayden Young shared the story of U.S. Army veteran Sammy Hughes, who arrived in Vietnam at 18 in May 1970.
Serving near Tay Ninh City and the Cambodian border, Hughes experienced enemy attacks, ambushes and dangerous jungle patrols. He volunteered as a point man, walking ahead of his platoon to identify danger and guide other soldiers.
Growing up in the woods of Adair County helped him recognize changes in his surroundings. He also participated in more than 25 helicopter missions known as Eagle Flights and received the Army Air Medal.
Hughes returned home in April 1971 and now shares his experiences so others will remember what Vietnam veterans went through.
U.S. Army veteran William R. Feese
Joseph Carman presented the story of U.S. Army veteran William R. Feese, who grew up on a small farm in Adair County and graduated from Adair County High School before becoming a teacher.
Feese was drafted into the Army in February 1971 and completed basic training at Fort Knox. He later served as a company clerk with the 5th Training Brigade, handling paperwork, personnel records and mail. He was promoted to Specialist Fifth Class and received an Army Certificate of Achievement. After being honorably discharged Nov. 27, 1972, Feese returned to Adair County High School the very next day to teach math. He continued teaching until his retirement in 1999.
Following the veteran story presentations, Cadets then presented the fallen soldier table. With Kameron Feese and Charlie Wethington setting the table and Gabriel Kirksey reading the accompanying script, this honored service members who were killed, missing or unable to return home.
The program also recognized three seniors preparing to enter the armed forces. Zain Karlhofer read the recognition of Febe Connor, who will join the U.S. Navy, and Vincent Warmouth and McCoy Nuszbaum, who will join the U.S. Marine Corps.
Cadets continued the ceremony with the Armed Forces Medley, followed by “God Bless the USA.”
The ceremony concluded with a flag-folding demonstration by Febe Connor, Tyler Bragg and Jade Antle, accompanied by “My Name Is Old Glory.” Following, Hayden Young delivered the closing prayer before dismissing those in attendance.
By Lily Coots
reporter@adairvoice.com
