News : Vinton Shellsburg Recognizes area Veterans

A few of the students who helped to raise $2,600 to donate to the local VFW Post 8884

The annual Veterans Assembly was held at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School gymnasium on Thursday, November 11. The high school students escorted each veteran to their seat where a handwritten note waited for them from children in the district. 

Each veteran had an opportunity to introduce themselves, share their rank and branch and along with that share a bit about themselves if they would like to. Among the veterans were Jon and Cara Martin, both veterans who were able to be at the assembly and were also celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary today. There was also a father and son as part of the assembly, John Gualtier, a WWII veteran, as well as an outgoing and incoming school board member.  Several professions were present some as results of military training and some just from the discipline and education gained in the service of the military.

The veterans represent the tiny percentage of Americans who serve in the military. Vinton has members represented from every branch of the military thanks to the service of Alan Woodhouse in the Coast Guard, the only member of this branch. 

Addressing the crowd was Darin Humiston a local veteran who will serve on the Board of Directors for District 1.

Pictures of the event can be seen here.  Video of the event can be seen here. 

This year the students via teacher Kelly Steffen also presented a check to the area VFW Post 8884 in the amount of $2,600 through their "Sweats for Vets" fundraiser where kids wear their sweats to class and make a donation for the area veterans.

Outstanding job Vinton-Shellsburg staff and students for presenting and taking care of our veterans.