South Orangetown Middle School sixth, seventh and eighth grade students took part in Take a Veteran to School, a national program designed to connect veterans with schools and communities.
Students in teacher Arlene Sorensen's Gifted and Talented Project heard veterans share stories of their experiences in the armed forces. Some of the participating veterans also participate in pen pal programs with students.
"I am so happy to have been able to bring this program to my classes," expressed Sorensen said. “Having done this last year also, I am hoping to make it an annual event."
The veterans on the panel at South Orangetown Middle School were Ken Schwegler, US Navy '65-'67 (Vietnam); Simon Jeruchim, US Navy, 5th Regimental Combat Team (Korean War); Chester Lubeck, US Army '42-'45 Battle of the Bulge POW (WWII); Jack Schwarz, National Guard '61-'68; Pete Denehy, Air Force '41-'45 (WWII); and Chip Hayes, US Navy, USS Saratoga, '64-'70 (Vietnam).
Editor's note: photos and details courtesy B.J. Greco of theSouth Orangetown Central School District.
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