Kearney, Mo., November 11, 2024: Kearney Junior High students and staff recognized and celebrated those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces during a special Veterans Day breakfast and assembly this morning.
Dozens of veterans who are also KJH parents/guardians or other family members were guests of students and staff members at the breakfast, which was held in the school library. This was the first Veterans Day event of its type at the school in recent memory, according to Principal John Goodin.
“We wanted to do something special for all of our veterans and their families. That’s important for all of us at Kearney Junior High,” Mr. Goodin said. “We also saw this as an opportunity for our students to learn more about these veterans and their selfless service.”
Immediately following the breakfast, the veterans and their families were ushered into the school gym for a special assembly with the entire student body and staff. The program started with a ninth-grade band performance of the song, “Salute to the Armed Forces,” the Presentation of the Colors by members of Boy Scout Troop #397, and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by the school Chamber Choir.
Several students recited names as part of the Missing Man table presentation. KJH teacher Daniel Roberts read a list recognizing the veterans who were guests at the event:
- Charles Adams (Army)
- David Allen (Marines)
- Taryn Bilbruck (Air Force)
- Bryan Bruner (Army)
- Vernon Davis (Navy)
- Luis F. Duran (Marines)
- Jerry Eckert (Army)
- Aaron Felling (Army)
- Mark Frye (Air Force)
- Matthew Garringer (Navy)
- George Heath (Air Force)
- Richard Howe (Army)
- Jason Jarvis (Marines)
- Pete Kennedy (Army)
- Allen King (Marines)
- Zach Madsen (Army)
- Adam Miller (Air Force)
- Bruce Miller (Air Force)
- Jerri Morris (Air Force)
- Aaron Murphy (Army)
- Bill Rogers (Air Force)
- Adam Rulon (Army)
- Joel Russell-Reinhardt (Marines)
- Danielle Semro (Navy)
- Brian Stan (Army)
- Daniel VanMeter (Army)
- Donald Winders (Air Force)
- Tyler Wood (Navy)
- Phillip Wuerdeman (Army)
KJH social studies teacher Alan King delivered a keynote address about his 22-year career in the Marines, which included deployment to Iraq and service in the Defense Intelligence Agency. He talked about why it’s important to honor veterans and encouraged all students to consider public service in the military as a career option.
The program ended with a salute to the armed forces and “Taps” as played by Kearney High School Band Director Chris Heil.