Log College Pays Tribute to Veterans

More than 80 veterans and their family members took their seats in Log College's auditorium Friday morning for a 90-minute ceremony organized by the middle school's students and faculty that thanked them all for their years of service.

At a reception following the presentation, guest after guest spoke about how impressed they were at the quality of the ceremony and how well it was put together.

"They did a phenomonal job," said Jesse Lockett, a 2000 graduate of William Tennent. "The kids were tremendous, and as a middle school teacher myself, I know that can be a challenge. I have a lot of respect for the faculty here."

A former Log College student, Lockett was one of six veterans who took the main stage to answer a series of questions posed by Log College students. Lockett was studying as a busness major at Bucks County Community College, unsure what he wanted to do with his life, before he enlisted in the Air Force.

He spent four years on active duty at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri and served nine months at Camp Bucca in Abu Ghraib as an officer in the military police under army command.

"It was a great experience, I met a lot of great people," said Lockett, who was at the ceremony with his wife, Melissa, and 11-month-old son Jackson. "I made a lot of best friends over there. I feel fortunate that I got to volunteer, and I'm fortunate to be here for this incredible event."

The morning started with a presentation of colors by Don Gee, Budd Pearce and Bob Sundling of the Central Bucks Detachment of the Marine Corps League, accompanied by the Log College Band, conducted by Gina Lenox. Follwing the Pledge of Allegiance and "Star Spangled Banner," the Log College Orchestra played "A Soldier's Hymn," conducted by Chris Goppold.

Log College principal Dr. Bucky Clark made opening remarks welcoming the school's special guests and thanked them for their sacrifices. Dr. Clark started the school's annual Veterans Day ceremony six years ago as way to promote patriotism throughout Log College.

"We wouldn't be here today without their brave heroics," said Dr. Clark. "It's important to me that patriotism is celebrated. It should be celebrated every day."

After an essay on the history of Veterans Day, given by student Bailey McLaughlin, took the stage for a presentation on the wounded veterans her organization cares for and assists with their transition to their normal lives. The school spent the previous weeks raising funds and presented her with a check for $500.

Sliwinski brought along her own special guest, Sgt. Matthew Sundermann from Delaware County. Sgt. Sundermann was injured in June 2008 in Afghanistan and spent a year and a half recuperating at the Brook Army Medical Center.

"I have a great deal of lingering, chronic pain, but I've come a long way and made a lot of progress," said Sgt. Sundermann. "I'm fortunate that I am able to be on my own two feet."

Sgt. Sunermann joined the Marines in Jan. 2004 and spent six years in active duty, serving two tours in Iraq before getting injured during his tour in Afghanistan. He is currently a student at Drexel University with an interest in the engineering field. This is his second year attending Log College's ceremony, and he is just as impressed as he was last year.

"They did an amazing job," said Sgt. Sundermann. "It's obvious they put so much time and effort in putting it together."

Following the Q&A session, the Log College Chorus, led by Tracey Miller, performed "America" for the crowd, leading into a photo slideshow featuring pictures brought in by students with family members that served in the armed forces.

The morning ended with the playing of Taps by trumpeters Tyler Dowling and Kurt Hoffman and the retiring of the colors by the Marine Corps League.

"The kids were fantastic today," said Dr. Clark. "I almost didn't make it to the end without tearing up. This was a total team effort today. The teachers and staff did an incredible job. I am grateful to them."