SHS Hosts Veteran's Panel

Written by: Emma McNamara 

Last Tuesday, a veterans panel was held in the SHS Media Center, open for staff and students to attend and ask questions. The veterans consisted of Al Boonstra, Jack Tripp, Tony Gallapo, Charlie Culver, Pete Litchfield, George Cutillo, Susan Foy, Charlie Rogoff, Ron Prout, George Cutillo, Jesse Oliver. A few names may sound familiar, being that there are connections (in friends and family) to the students and staff.

The veterans each had a chance to speak about their experiences, whether in service, in training, or life before and after their military involvement. Some stated that they were taught direction and gained a sense of duty to honor their country. Mr. Cutillo mentioned the life lesson he gained from his service, that he is not the center of the universe. He put into words that he learned to be "a team player, a team member... every spoke in the wheel makes the wheel turn properly."

 Many of the veterans emphasized how their choice to serve the country was not only a worthwhile ordeal but that they would "do it again in a second." Their inspiring words and stories taught the audience much about the armed forces. While some students may be considering joining in the future, and some may not, everyone could have walked away with some new piece of knowledge. "Being able to hear all of those incredible stories was truly surreal," Senior Zander Papandrikos exclaimed, "...It's like Ms. Deluccia said, it's living history."

The veteran's panel was a great idea for information to be exchanged from a few veterans SHS appreciates profoundly. They agree they're "a group, we bond, we have this in common." Hopefully all people who joined the panel discussion were impacted in some way or another from the vet's thoughtful and moving words.

Follow us-

Instagram: @shs_oracle

Twitter: @SHS_Oracle