Schools host Veterans Day programs
For FCT
Phil Campbell High School and Russellville High School both held Veterans Day programs Nov. 9.
Greg Winstead, a Phil Campbell High School history teacher and an Army veteran, was in charge of putting together the event for Phil Campbell High School.
“Each teacher’s students decorated their classroom door, and each class made a presentation board,” Winstead said. Presentation boards included World War I and World War II (10th-grade history classes), Korea and Vietnam (seventh- and eighth-grade history classes), Gulf War (11th– and 12th-grade history classes) and Branches of Service (ninth-grade history classes).
Susan Holt, one PCHS teacher, put up a white table display with a flyer titled “America’s White Table” explaining its significance – to remember those lost in military service and to serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of veterans and their families.
PCHS’ program began with an Honor Guard Post, the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem. Members of the Honor Guard were Joe Hardy, Anna Gunderman, Devan Stewart and Ethan Hall.
Assistant principal Darit Riddle introduced the featured speaker, retired Maj. Gen. George L. Gunderman, a 1957 graduate of West Point. His Army career included tours in Germany and Vietnam. Between Vietnam tours, he attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y., and graduated with a master’s degree in mathematics. He taught math at West Point for three years.
Gunderman left active duty after 11 years and was a member of the Army Reserve for 23 years. He served as director of financial aid at Northwest Junior College in Phil Campbell for two years before accepting a position with the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Gunderman retired as an engineer and manager for TVA. He was selected to return to active duty and served as deputy commanding general of the United States Army Reserve Command in Fort McPherson, Ga.
His awards and decorations include: Distinguished Service Medal, Bronze Star with “V,” the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with “V,” the Joint Services Commendation Medal and the Army Achievement Medal with “V.”
Gunderman said, “It’s a great day to be a veteran. It feels good to see so many organizations holding events to honor those who have served.”
Anna Brooke Garrison sang “God Bless the USA.” Following this came the introduction and recognition of veterans nominated by students.
In addition to the featured speaker, veterans recognized included Troy Anderson, Eddie Colburn, Billy Cummings, Ida Grammer, Murphy (Alexander Robert) Gunnison, Larry Hallman, Isaac Michael, Paul McDougle, Wade Oden, Greggory Pugh and Duane Strickland.
Carley Nix, a senior at PCHS, read her first-place essay about what Veterans Day means to her. The first sentence described Veterans Day as a day “set aside to remember those that have honorably and proudly defended our country.”
Kayla Hamilton then sang, “If You’re Reading This” to close out the program, which was followed by a reception.
At Russellville City Schools, this year’s Veteran’s Day Salute was a combined effort of each school, with involvement from a number of students and teachers.
The program was organized by West Elementary Principal Deanna Hollimon and Russellville Elementary Principal Kristie Ezzell and kicked off with the Posting of the Colors by the Junior ROTC.
RES’ student council officers held a variety of roles during the event. Duties included everything from greeting attendees and handing out programs to leading the Pledge of Allegiance and the call for the national anthem.
RHS’ ensemble sang the national anthem. Superintendent Heath Grimes then welcomed everyone to the program.
The fifth-grade chorus performed “America the Beautiful” and “On Veteran’s Day.” Second-graders performed “I Love My Country” and “Oh, I Love America.”
Guest speaker was Dr. Tim Guinn, an administrative assistant at Russellville City Schools central office. Guinn was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army Reserve Command.
“We’re honored to work with him and have him as the guest speaker,” Hollimon said.
Guinn shared a couple of stories about veterans and talked about what a veteran really is. “A veteran is an ordinary person who takes advantage of life’s opportunities to do extraordinary things,” he said.
A moment was taken to recognize the veterans who were in attendance at the program by the playing of the “Armed Forces Salute.” The audience stood in respect for the playing of taps by band director Jeremy Willis.
