The Air Force JROTC Veterans Day Ceremony was held at the LHS Auditorium on Friday, November 10. It began with Shadi Taylor, the Cadet Group Commander, welcoming the audience to the event.
Presentation of the Colors – The Color Guard, consisting of Cadets Gilberto Silva, Zoe Smith, Lauren Andringa, and Tavin McDaniel. Was followed by the pledge of allegiance led by Central Students Jaydon Mehl, Alayna McLain, Ona Paz Puig, Arianny Espoino, Taverli Timberlake, and Zoey Ramsey.
Mark Schottler, LHS Teacher and Veteran welcomed and recognized Active duty, National Guard, or Reserve, and Veterans who have served. He explained that Veterans Day – Founded in Emporia Kansas in 1953 as a day to honor those who have fought to make America what it is. TODAY we honor our living Veterans. “TODAY we give recognition and thanks for their sacrifice.” Schottler also added that Fleet Admiral William F. Halsey Jr. stated, “There are no extraordinary men... just extraordinary circumstances that ordinary men are forced to deal with.”
A spotlight focused on the POW/MIA table placed in the middle of the stage that was filled with symbolism, explained by cadets Summer and Edgard Zuniga and demonstrated by Cadets David Pando, Peyton Smith, Logan Swenson, Angela Guzman, Rayna Reyes, and Jacob Arnold. The armed Forces Medley where each branch’s official service song was played by the Lyons High Band while guest Veterans stood as their song was played. The following service songs were played: United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and United States Marine Corps. The Saber Team consisting of cadets Guin Kennedy, Nate Douglas, Nick Rose, Tyler Crider, Ben Curzon, and Colson Meade stood at attention while the music played
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Lieutenant Colonel Russell B. Allen.
He is the newest Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, for Lyons High’s AFJROTC.
After graduating from Kansas State University in 1997, Lieutenant Colonel Allen attended navigator training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida, and Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. He has since served as an instructor and evaluator navigator in the E-3B/C and T-43A and as a Fire Control Office (FCO) in the AC-130U. He is a master navigator with more than 3,000 flight hours. He has held positions as an Assistant Operations Officer, Chief Mobility Officer for AFSOC’s largest squadron, Courseware and Syllabus manager for Combat Systems Officer training, and Commander of Smoky Hills Weapons Range. Prior to his assignment to Lyons High School, Lt Col Allen served as Deputy Commander 22nd Mission Support Group, 22nd ARW, McConnell AFB, Kansas. He has three children Austen, Margaret, and Emma.
Cadets Kassia and Shadie Taylor continued the program with the flag-folding ceremony.
“For more than 200 years, the American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens. The flag-folding ceremony represents the same religious principles on which our great country was originally founded.”
Cadets Edgard Zuniga, Gilberto Silva, Zach Munson, AJ Almanza, Guin Kennedy, and Angela Guzman conducted the folding process as the 13 folds were described. The flag was held by a cadet held the flag at center stage as cadets Zoe Smith and Gilberto Silva spoke to honor the newest inductee into the Lyons High Hall of Fame, Laurence L. Archer. The flag was presented to Mr. Archer's family. Archer was a Lyons High School graduate, of the class of 1965, attended West Point, and served in the Army. More about Archer
The ceremony concluded with cadet Sadie Taylor requesting the audience to stand for the playing of Taps by cadet Edward Zuniga followed by a moment of silence. Veterans and guests were invited to join students and staff for lunch in the cafeteria immediately following the ceremony.