Lyons Township High School Principal Brian Waterman urged students to be of service during an afternoon assembly honoring military veterans Wednesday in La Grange.
“Take a moment to reflect on service over self,” Waterman said. “Our military personnel are shining examples of service over self.”
Col. Joe Schweickert of Peoria outlined some of his varied assignments in a 28-year career with the Illinois Army National Guard, where he has served as chief of staff since June 2014.
Schweickert noted he crossed paths in Afghanistan with LT math teacher Joe Barker, also a colonel and team chief for the Illinois Army National Guard’s 244th Army Liaison Team.
Members of the National Guard serve their communities in varied ways, including in their chosen civilian professions and volunteering to train and serve their country in combat or other areas, Schweickert said.
The speaker recalled a humanitarian mission in an Afghan village, where his team passed out supplies, and children stood in line in the snow.
“It was all about placing the needs of others above self to help those less fortunate,” he said.
Schweickert said a tradition of service is important in his family, symbolized by two U.S. flags folded and sealed in shadow boxes prominently displayed. One flag was given in honor of his father, who served in the Army in Berlin during the Cold War, he said.
The other flag flew over a base in Afghanistan where Schweickert was stationed, and he said he displays it in honor of his son, who has served in leadership roles for the Boy Scouts of America for many years.
“If you’re not sure where to start to volunteer, just ask,” he told students. “There are many organizations that would love to have your service. Please volunteer.”
Waterman asked students to talk to their families and find out about members’ military service.
“I ask that you personally thank these individuals and reflect on the sacrifice made by others for our freedom today,” he said.
Among the veterans lining the front row of chairs in the school fieldhouse, William Faison of La Grange Park said he was thrilled to be included in the tribute to veterans.
“I just wish all of our missing buddies were here, too. That would be wonderful,” said Faison, who served in the Army signal corps in Italy during World War II.
Jake Ellenby, a 2014 LT graduate, said he looked forward to returning to his school in uniform as an Army private after completing basic training at Fort Sill, Okla., and combat training at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.
“I wanted to help support my country and help soldiers as a combat medic,” Ellenby said of his decision to enlist. “I want to become a firefighter and paramedic.”
Ellenby said he will train with a National Guard unit while attending Western Illinois University to study fire science in January.
La Grange senior Anna Schiferl said she found the assembly meaningful.
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“It was a nice thing to do to take time out of the day to reflect and honor our veterans, rather than just having a day off of school,” Schiferl said.
Twitter: @janemichaels22