Evans Middle School will host their annual Veteran’s Day Assembly on Monday, November 11 beginning with a breakfast for all area veterans in the school library beginning at 8:15 a.m. The breakfast, hosted by the Evans Middle School Student Council, will also feature a performance by the Evans’ orchestra.
The annual Veteran’s Day Assembly will begin at 9 a.m. in the school gym with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Student Council Executive Panel, including Kennedy Palmer, Ava Johnson, Braylen Benedict, Elli Bishop, Paige Grothe, Emily Grothe, and Jasmin Jasavic.
The Evans band will perform “God Bless the USA” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The choir will sing “American Tears” and “Freedom Song.” Sarah Ziegler, an Evans teacher and guest soloist, will perform “God Bless America.”
Poster and banner winners from each grade level will be recognized and Thank You note winners will read their notes to the veterans.
This year’s keynote speaker is Chief Warrant Officer Rick Reinier, whose military career has spanned 29 years. Chief Reinier currently serves as a JROTC instructor at Ottumwa High School. He grew up in Ottumwa and graduated from Ottumwa High School. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1976 as a Combat Engineer. After reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class, he attended the Warrant Officer Candidate course at Ft. Rucker, Alabama and was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in June 1991.
In 1991- 1992 Chief Reinier was deployed in support of Operation Desert Storm with the 224th Engineer Battalion. When Chief Reinier asked about the highlight of his military career, he responded, “Being able to work with so many young soldiers and having a positive impact on their lives.”
His awards include the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Achievement Medal with three Oak Leaf clusters, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the Honorable Order of Saint Martin Medal.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 2005, then started working for the Ottumwa Community School District as an Army Instructor for JROTC. He has held this title for 14 years.
A flag-raising ceremony will be held immediately following the assembly.