Students salute local veterans
By Sherrie Norris
Staff Correspondent

Approximately 35 veterans with ties to the Deep Gap Community were honored at Parkway Elementary School on Friday as kindergarten and first-grade classes hosted “Bring A Vet To School Day.”

The students, their teachers and several parents lined the school corridors early Friday morning dressed in red, white and blue, raising their hand-held American flags and cheering on their guests and spouses, as they were led to the school’s media center for breakfast and a tribute which included music and computerized displays.

On numerous occasions throughout the nearly 90-minute event, several of the veterans expressed their sincere appreciation for the program.

“Most of you know what kind of a welcome-home we got,” Vietnam War veteran Bob Reneau said.

“This is the first time I’ve ever attended something like this and I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it.”

Bill Farthing, an Air Force veteran attending at the invitation of his granddaughter Emma Aldridge, said, “This is the best Veterans Day program that I’ve ever been to and I can say that there’s not a one of us here who wouldn’t do it again to keep these little ones safe.”

“This is a wonderful program and we are so proud that you included us in the celebration,” Frankie Greene said on behalf of herself and the veterans’ spouses.

“Life is like a coin – you can spend it anyway you want to. You veterans chose to spend yours in service to your country and we’re so thankful for what you did,” she said.

Following musical presentations including, students Eli Greer and Bradley Holshouser offered welcoming comments and led the pledge of allegiance.

First-grade teacher Susan Coffey expressed appreciation to the veterans, recognizing each one and the military branches in which he or she served; as well as the oldest and youngest veterans present. Joe Coffey, J.C.Greene, David Ragan and Glenn Cottrell, “young” octogenarians, were the most senior in attendance; Cottrell was also recognized as the only former prisoner of war present. Coffey said she was delighted to acknowledge members of her own family who represent three generations: Joe Coffey, (WWII), Mike Coffey (Vietnam) and Army Sgt. Michael Coffey, also the youngest present at 29 and currently stationed at Ft. Bragg, having served in Iraq in 2004-05.

Kim Church, who was recently discharged from the Air Force after serving 12 years, was the only female veteran present, having returned home in August. Church was stationed in Kuwait in 2003 at the onset of the Iraq conflict.

John James and his wife drove from Lincolnton at the invitation of granddaughter Siena Ritter, whose class hosted the program. Lee Phillips, from Hickory, also came up the mountain to be with his granddaughter, Cheney Hester.

First cousins Tommy and John Critcher were invited by their grandsons and were among 12 in their large families who served in the military, most during the Korean and Vietnam conflicts and several at the same time.

“There were five out of seven boys in my family who served; in John’s family, seven out of nine,” Tommy said.

The guests enjoyed breakfast at tables decorated in red, white and blue, each given small gifts and a blue pen to be used during a special autograph session. With autograph books in hand, the students went from one veteran to the other, requesting that each of the heroes sign his or her name.

Later, PowerPoint presentations were show depicting students with special messages to their guests of honor. “I love you, Dad,” one read; another – “Thank you for being brave.” While yet others said: “I would like to be a veteran one day, too;” “Thank you for protecting us, Dad,” and “I’m so glad you stayed safe.”

“Our students have learned about the sacrifice you have made for our country,” Coffey said.

“We appreciate your service and hope you have a happy Veterans Day!”

The following people and businesses donated their time, food and money for the event: Susan Coffey’s & Patti Hensley’s first-grade classes, Alice Greer’s K-1 class, Parkway art teacher Dacia Trethewey, Dan’l Boone Inn, Johnson County Bank Loan Office, Northwest Glass and Mirror, Allen and Opal Hampton and Lowe’s Foods.