West Iredell High JROTC pays tribute to local veterans (Photo Gallery)

The West Iredell High School JROTC honored local veterans Friday at their school. The student-led program brings together veterans from across the county for an hour-long program that has music from the choir, band and other patriotic festivities.

BY KARISSA MILLER

West Iredell High School Army JROTC cadets and students recognized and honored local military veterans during the student-led Iredell County Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday morning.

Faces lit up brightly as veterans, who arrived well ahead of the 10 a.m. start time, found handmade thank-you cards from local elementary school students at their seats.

Veteran Benny Lytton, who served in the U.S. Marines, said he was stationed at Camp Lejeune during the Vietnam era.

“Sadly, many of my friends who were overseas didn’t make it back,” said Lytton, 79. “I look forward to coming to this ceremony each year.”

The annual ceremony is filled with patriotic music from the choir, band, speeches that reflect gratitude, and a special flag folding demonstration that is followed by a free lunch for veterans and their families.

Cadets from South Iredell and Mooresville high schools, along with the West Iredell chorus members and the Warrior Band, also helped with the ceremony.

“I want to extend an especially warm welcome to our veterans and their families who are sitting before us,” said West Cadet Battalion Commander Andrew McCarthy. “Today’s ceremony is for you — the men and women that have served and are currently serving our country — so that we can have the freedoms we have today.”

Distinguished cadets on stage included McCarthy, Executive Officer CeCe Mena, CSM Chelsea Hinchee and Second Lieutenant Kameryn Spraker.

Principal Ben Johnson said that the characteristics of those who serve across all branches are “loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity and personal courage.”

“When I’ve spoken or dealt with any military person, those all exude from them. Hopefully, I can absorb those like a sponge to make me a better person every single day,” Johnson said.

First Sgt. Reginald Hooker inspires cadets

JROTC instructor First Sgt. Reggie Hooker is the definition of a soldier, Johnson explained. That’s why he was named the Teacher of the Year at West Iredell High. Hooker received a standing ovation from everyone in the room.

“First Sergeant has made such an impact on my life. He cares not only about you, but lets you know he cares about your family, too,” Cadet Mena said in an interview.

Cadet Hinchee said participating in JROTC has been impactful.

“I’m already enlisted as a medic. ROTC has definitely shaped the way I think about the military. It’s taught me the seven Army values, and it’s something that I live by. I want to make sure people are safe and don’t worry that something’s going to happen,” Hinchee said.

JROTC instructors Chief Stephen Klein and First Sgt. Hooker have been “her guides” and inspire her each day.

“If I wouldn’t have had Chief and First Sergeant in my life, I would have probably made some silly decisions that would have definitely impacted my future,” Hinchee said.

Striving for a Better World

Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James, who is a graduate of WIHS, said he’s a proud son of a World War II veteran who took part in D-Day. Sometimes he pulls his dad’s wool jacket out of storage and it reminds him of the “price that was paid so I can stand here today.”

“Your sacrifice, courage, unwavering commitment have made the United States the beacon of hope and light in this world,” James told the veterans in attendance.

“Your legacy is etched on every single piece of fabric that has woven our nation.… It’s also inspired countless others to strive for a better world,” he added.

The West Iredell High ceremony is one of the largest Veterans Day celebrations in the county, James noted. Other schools throughout I-SS also hold celebrations to recognize veterans in the community.

The West Iredell marching band performed the anthems of the U.S. Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard.

Oldest Veterans Named

JROTC members continued the tradition of recognizing the oldest veteran in attendance. This year’s honoree was Isaac Johnston, 95, who was born on June 22, 1929. He served in the Army.

The second oldest veteran was Jessee Davidson, 95, who was born on Oct. 14, 1929, and served in the Army.

Veterans concluded the program by exchanging stories over a luncheon that was donated and prepared by Cooking for Christ.