RUSSELLVILLE, Mo. -- Cole R-1 High School on Friday remembered that all gave some and some gave all.
Members of the military were in the spotlight early morning during the annual Veterans Day breakfast and assembly at the school in Russellville. At the assembly, veterans were honored by being escorted to their seat while having their name and service read aloud.
The assembly centered around retired Lt. Col. James Schaffner, a 96-year-old World War II and Korean War veteran from Jefferson City. He discussed the importance of also thanking those who didn't serve on the front lines. For instance, he said we should acknowledge those who served at home and in support roles, such as nurses and truck drivers.
"I read recently that it took about 15-25 people back home in uniform to support every man that was (overseas) fighting for us," Schaffner noted in his speech.
He also said family members deserve recognition for the sacrifices they make for those serving in the military.
Following the speech, awards were presented to various essay contest winners.
Recipients of certificate of recognition of the Operation Bugle Boys' "I Am Writing You This Letter" contest, spanning grades 11-12, are: Nolan Gartner, writing to brother Ryan; Emily Jurgle, writing to World War II veteran Ralph Kalberloh; Conner Larimore, writing to grandfather David Larimore; and Jillian Schmidt, writing to veteran and author Jeremy Ämick. Payton Taube won the category, writing to grandfather Gary Crocker.
Adriana Crews won first place in the Patriots Pen essay contest. Winners of the 2022 Voice of Democracy speech and essay contest were also recognized, including: Georgia Ehrhardt, first place; Emily Jurgle, second place; Isabel Crews, third place; and Jillian Schmidt, fourth place.
Retired Lt. Col. Jerry Koestner served as a master of ceremony at the event.
After all awards were presented, Koestner recognized military families by discussing the hardships they face and how they cope. He talked about 10 characteristics of military families, such as having a sense of humor; being passionate, strong and resilient; and willing to lend a helping hand when needed, among others.
Following songs performed by the Russellville High School Choir, a flag folding ceremony was hosted by Boy Scout Troop 96 Honor Guard. The flags were presented to Schaffner, Kalberloh, Mel Gregory and Roscoe Enloe Post 5 American Legion Commander DeeDee Mehmert-Cryderman.
The ceremony ended with the retirement of colors by Boy Scout Troop 96 Honor Guard.
Denise Crider, a teacher at Cole R-1 High School, said the event was a community effort and took a couple months of planning by the school.
"Everybody pitches in," she said. "A number of elementary classes made thank you notes."
Crider said it's important to honor those who put their lives on the line for our freedom.
"We are fortunate to have the wonderful life we do, and we need to remember why we do," she said. "It provides an excellent opportunity for the students to meet and serve some of America's greatest heroes. The young people are a reminder of why they sacrificed."
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Ralph Kalberloh, left, a World War II veteran and former prisoner of war, salutes Friday during the National Anthem at the Veterans Day assembly at Cole R-I High School in Russellville.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Roscoe Enloe American Legion Post 5 Commander DeeDee Mehmert-Cryderman, left, and retired Lt. Col. James Schaffner salute each other as Mehmert-Cryderman presents Schaffner with a folded flag Friday during the Veterans Day assembly at Cole R-I High School in Russellville.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — A Boy Scout Troop 96 Honor Guard member, right, presents Ralph Kalberloh, a former World War II vet and prisoner of war, with a folded flag Friday morning during the Veterans Day assembly at Cole R-I High School in Russellville.
Democrat photo/Garrett Fuller — Denise Crider, right, a teacher at Cole R-I High School, presents Payton Taube with a certificate of recognition for winning category V, grades 11-12, in Operation Bugle Boys' "I Am Writing You This Letter" contest. The certificates were presented to participants in the contest Friday during the Veterans Day assembly at Cole R-I High School in Russellville.