Veterans Share Thoughts, Experiences With Students

On Tuesday, November 11, Saint Joseph's Catholic School recognized Veterans Day by inviting members of the St. Joe's community to attend a breakfast in their honor and speak to the students.

Members of the National Social Studies Honor Society -- Bridget Houck, Riley Reed, Evan Farrell and Jonathan Kissel -- acted as escorts and introduced the four speakers.

Colonel Mark Medvetz is a US Marine Corps veteran and aviator. He served six years on active duty and 19 years in the Reserves. Colonel Medvetz learned to fly in the Marines, starting in helicopters and then, while in the Reserves, transitioning to the KC-130 Hercules where he eventually became a squadron Commanding Officer. In 1990, he was recalled to active duty in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm.

Mr. Troy Childress, a US Air Force Veteran, served five years of active duty and active reserve from December 1995 through May 2004. He served as a firefighter in Saudi Arabia and was activated after the 9/11 attacks.

Staff Sergeant Connor Whelan enlisted in the US Air Force in 2019 and eventually earned his certification as an Air Force firefighter. In the summer of 2022, he deployed to Kuwait in support of overseas contingency operations, where his team supported the mission that resulted in the elimination of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the second-in-command of al-Qaeda and one of the principal architects of the September 11 attacks.
 

For his exemplary service during this deployment, he earned the Air and Space Achievement Medal. His unit also received the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and he was promoted to Staff Sergeant while deployed.

SSgt Whelan is currently attached to the 169th Fighter Wing in Columbia, where he continues to serve as a firefighter and Air National Guardsman.

Mr. Jim Naas enlisted in the USMC in 1967, graduated USMC Boot Camp and was assigned to 4th Marine Reserve Unit in Grand Rapids, Michigan. That unit was known as the "Terror from the North" unit. He served as an 03-11 Rifleman and was Honorably Discharged as a Lance Corporal (E-3) in 1970.

All four speakers talked about the honor of military service, the importance of being servant leaders and the real-world experiences and advantages that serving in the military offer to young people. Students were able to ask questions of the speakers after the talks.

In addition, members of the chorus performed a selection of songs honoring the military and our nation.

PHOTO GALLERY