CAL, H-D hold Veterans Day ceremonies to honor those who served

While the sacrifices made by veterans who serve in the United States military are apparent and well known, Tony Spradlin emphasized that loved ones of those who serve also make great sacrifices.

Speaking to students, veterans and public at CAL’s Salute to Veterans ceremony, Spradlin, Hampton-Dumont Middle School Principal who also serves in the 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard, said the months and years away from home test both the veteran and his or her family.

“Because of a military career, the personal life kind of gets hampered sometimes,” he said. “You don’t get to spend as much time with your family as you would like to.

“Putting on the uniform means that everyone that has it on serves their country first and then their family and sometimes the families tend to suffer,” he added. “In honoring those veterans, we need to also thank the family members and make sure they understand they sacrificed much like the men and women that put on the uniforms.”

Spradlin estimated that in his 20-plus years of service, his tours have caused him to miss approximately 6.5 years worth of time with his family. Speaking to one of his children about his military career, Spradlin said he realized the toll his service takes on his family while we’re away. That moment of realization, Spradlin said, is why he encourages people to thank anyone whose lives have been affected by military service in some way.

“When we’re talking about this and the Veterans Day celebration, please include family members and when you know there are those people that have to leave and go away for military service, please keep their families in mind,” he said. “Ask them if they need anything, make sure they know people are thinking about them and care about them.”

After explaining the origins of Veterans Day in the United States and the importance of the holiday, Spradlin said that he was honored to be a part of the Veterans Day celebration at CAL and that those ceremonies are a vivid reminder that veterans are appreciated in the country.

“Veterans have given us the freedoms that we have every day and are currently protecting the same freedoms,” he said. “Please take the time to thank a veteran today.”

Along with Spradlin’s speech, the ceremony also included a performance of the “Yorktown March” by the CAL sixth grand band, a skit performed by CAL administrator Steve Lane and student Clayton Abernathy, a recognition of veterans and playing of Taps.

At Hampton-Dumont, students also honored local veterans during a special ceremony Friday afternoon in the High School Gym.

Providing music during the hour-long event were the High School Concert Band, and Concert Choir.

Providing a poetry reading, “The Noble and the Brave: A Veterans Day Tribute” were students CristaMae Doroteo, Destiny Evans, MyKala Kapp, Angela Koath, Avi Nolte, Olivia Polk, Gloria Rodriguez and Brenna Vallery.

Guest speaker for the program was Retired Army Ma-jor Tom Teggatz.

Teggatz focused on what it is to be a veteran and what it’s like to be a veteran.

“Being a veteran meant facing various fears and overcoming anxieties. We found the inner grace to overcome our fears,” he said.

“Veterans remember facing countless adventures on the other side of the world. We belonged to a family that had very high standards. When we come together, we have a special bond,” Teggatz added.

“I want to thank the United States for letting us have the opportunity to become veterans. We are proud of our service,” he concluded.

Jim Zacharias provided the opening and closing statements to the program.

Concluding the event was the playing of Taps by high school musicians Tara Craig and Kyle Folkerts.