Russellville students pay tribute to veterans

Missouri Army National Guardsman Kaleb Libbert was escorted by Russellville High School student Cory Libbert at the school's Veteran's Recognition Day Assembly Tuesday. Kaleb joined the Guard last month and Cory already has begun the enlistment process for after graduation.
Missouri Army National Guardsman Kaleb Libbert was escorted by Russellville High School student Cory Libbert at the school's Veteran's Recognition Day Assembly Tuesday. Kaleb joined the Guard last month and Cory already has begun the enlistment process for after graduation.

Russellville schools honored 27 local veterans from all four branches and the National Guard at a schoolwide assembly Tuesday.

Each honored guest was escorted into the gymnasium, following an appreciation breakfast served by Beta Club and National Honor Society students, by a high school student while Student Body President Bailey Martin read aloud their name and service.

After all veterans, with service from 1942 to present, had arrived the filled gymnasium exploded with applause.

"Today, we say "thank you' for your service and sacrifice," Martin said.

Retired Lt. Col. Jerry Koestner, a former Russellville teacher, shared his career highlights in the U.S. Army, 1975-2003, as an artillery officer.

When he was younger, Koestner said he felt like he had let down his friends who had been in Vietnam and Middle Eastern combat zone, since he had never deployed. But a friend and veteran assured him that because he trained for the job and then spent the latter years of his career training other soldiers, he should not doubt.

Koestner challenged students to give back, not only through military service, but also as an active and education voter, as a member of the American workforce and as a vigilant citizens against terrorism.

Patriotic music was provided by the high school choir, seventh-grade band and high school band.

Then, Boy Scout Troop 96 delivered a flag-folding presentation before recognizing four veterans with flags.

Led by Patrol Leader Colin Walters, the members presented folded flags to Susan Ott, who served in the U.S. Army 1989-2009; Jeremy Amick who served in the U.S. Army 1993-2004; Dale Sheets who served with the U.S. Army and briefly was held as Prisoner of War in Vietnam 1967-70; and Clete Heidbreder who served in the U.S. Navy 1942-46 during World War II.