Tuesday afternoon, the Greene County High School Student Council honored local military servicemen and women with a Veterans Day program.

The event started with some of the high school choir students singing the National Anthem, along with another song, before some background was given about how Veterans Day came to be how we know it today. The high school band then performed the military march, where each branch’s song was played.

The keynote speaker was retired US Air Force Staff Sergeant and Iowa State Patrol Trooper Bob Hurley. He served in the Air Force as part of the military police unit during the Vietnam War from 1969-73 and was stationed at an airbase in Tokyo, Japan and Offit Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska. He then served out his career in law enforcement. He shared lots of insight into his military and law enforcement career, before honoring all veterans with his experience of being on an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2017.

“I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to spend the time with our heroes. The men and women who fought for our freedom, who fought for you and who fought for me. Thank you for your service, your sacrifice, the bravery and your commitment to the country has not gone unnoticed. We are forever indebted to you and your families. We can be proud to be Americans and live in a country where freedom is enjoyed.” 

Then a poem was read honoring all those who served in the military, before the Video Production class showed their film with students and staff recognizing America’s heroes. Army Veteran Bill Heaning of Jefferson talked about his favorite part of serving.

“Traveling the world. We went everywhere. We’re in Germany, Austria, France, Belgium, got to fish in the North Sea. Went to all kind of places (like) Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait. It’s a real team building experience.”  

The local veterans were then treated to dessert in Ram Restaurant following the program.