CAHS Patriots salute local veterans
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World War II veterans Art McGann (foreground) and John “Wally” Schroyer, both of Connellsville, look on during the Connellsville Area High School Patriots Veterans Day program.
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Connellsville Area High School student and Army enlistee Pvt. Chris Jenkins carries the American flag during the presentation of colors.
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T.J. Hogan (left) and Don Witt perform a medley of “Battle Hymn,” “Taps,” and the “Battle Hymn of the Republic”.
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World War II veterans Woody Ridgway (left) and Ben Lincoln look on during the Connellsville Area High School Patriots Veterans Day program on Friday.
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Presenting the keynote address for the Connellsville Area High School Patriots Veterans Day program on Friday is Lt. Col. Ros L. Gammon IV, commander of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 1st/110th.
CONNELLSVILLE TWP. — Veterans from World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other battles were honored Friday by the Connellsville Area High School Patriots.
Nearly 150 veterans and others attended a ceremony at the National Guard Readiness Center because of the ongoing renovation construction taking place at the high school.
Lt. Col. Ros L. Gammon, commander of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard 1st/110th Infantry and decorated Iraq War veteran, served as the keynote speaker for the event.
A veteran, he said, is one that has written a blank check made payable to his country for an amount up to and including their life.
“Whether they wear the military uniform today or wore it decades ago, veterans represent an unwavering dedication and exemplify the highest ideals of service to our nation,” said Gammon.
Gammon said veterans are the first in line to shake a returning soldier’s hand when they enter the airport and continue to support the young man or woman when the welcome home party has ended.
“The support and commitment from one generation to the next is not something to be taken for granted,” he said. “It is a tradition that my fellow troops and I will be proud to continue when we are no longer the current generation.”
Gammon said that the Pennsylvania Army National Guard has sacrificed much in the Iraq War, but aided in the country’s transformation from a violent dictatorship to a fledgling democracy.
During the Guard’s many tours of duty in Iraq, 29 Guardsmen lost their lives and many others were wounded.
More than 25,000 Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers have displayed tremendous courage in the most difficult of circumstances since 9/11, said Gammon.
Sgt. Eric Probst of Seward is one that Gammon said he will always remember.
“During his first deployment to Iraq, his squad was hit by a mortar round and although he suffered significant injuries, he selflessly administered first aid to his wounded comrades and helped save their lives,” said Gammon. “He returned to Iraq again in 2006 and later volunteered to go back as a helicopter door gunner in 2009.”
Today’s soldier exhibits the same courage and dedication of those that forged the military path.
“Warriors like these Guardsmen stand as living proof that the spirit of selfless service that earned the greatest generation that distinct title, is alive and well in the latest generation,” he said.
Also taking part in the ceremony was Kelsey Conn, CAHS Patriot president; CAHS members Josh Popson and Sarah Iaquinta; the Connellsville Area High School chamber ensemble; musicians Don Witt and T.J. Hogan; Dr. Tammy Stern, Connellsville Area School District interim superintendent; and student military enlistees.