By: Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
The Alpine Union School District sponsored a courageous program that brings students together with seasoned veterans at lunch. Dan Foster, who is responsible for Alpine’s Veterans’ Wall of Honor, headed up the idea of introducing local veterans to local students, to enhance a living history on Veterans’ Day November 12, beginning at 11:00 a.m..
By: Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun
The Alpine Union School District sponsored a courageous program that brings students together with seasoned veterans at lunch. Dan Foster, who is responsible for Alpine’s Veterans’ Wall of Honor, headed up the idea of introducing local veterans to local students, to enhance a living history on Veterans’ Day November 12, beginning at 11:00 a.m..
Alpine Elementary, Boulder Oaks Elementary, Shadow Hills Elementary, and Joan McQueen Middle School hosted lunch programs to include Nine veterans: Rod Hinrichson, Bill Burton, Al Martinez, Larry Curtis, Dave Kebert, Fred Higginbotham, Bill Ridenour and Brent Wolfe. Dan Foster traveled with Superintendent Bruce Cochrane to all of the schools to meet and greet students.
Many of these veterans that visited our Alpine schools are very active in our community. Several are members in our Alpine Kiwanis Club, and they donate endless hours in community activiites. These men, are not only veterans, they are heroes in our community, and they are wonderful role models.
During the lunchtimes, the veterans shared stories of their time in active duty, they answered questions candidly, with respect. Some wore uniforms, or jackets from their units. Every branch of the military was represented, and different eras were represented as well, including WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War.
By bringing veterans and students together, and creating an atmosphere where stories can be told, and questions can be asked, history comes to life for young learners.