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NMCC students honor veterans, current military for their service
NEW MADRID, Mo. —Less than 1% of the U.S. population has served in the military, yet the opportunities that service offers are growing, guest speaker Jerry Whitehead told New Madrid County Central High School students at the Veterans Day Ceremony on Nov. 11.
Whitehead, who served in the Army from 1963 to 1969 and in the Missouri National Guard from 1973 to 2005, explained he joined the Army following graduation from high school.
“When I enlisted, I was a 19-year-old naive kid from the mountains of East Tennessee. I knew absolutely nothing. I was as dumb as a turtle,” Whitehead said. “Now I am still as dumb as a turtle but I learned what I know from the military. It teaches you discipline.”
While he volunteered for service, Whitehead said at that time many young men were serving because they were drafted and obligated to serve for two years.
“Now we have an all-volunteer military in every branch – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and the Space Force, which is a new military unit. All of those have volunteered to serve something they love.”
He urged the students to consider the advantages of a military career. Whitehead explained the military offers an opportunity to gain job skills and provides educational benefits.
“You can learn to be anything you want to be in the military – from a bricklayer to a doctor and now with the Space Force, to an astronaut,” he said.
Also Whitehead praised the role the National Guard has played in conflicts overseas. According to Whitehead, the National Guard was deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan more than any other branch of service.
The National Guard also plays a vital role during peace time, Whitehead told the students. He pointed out while a member of the National Guard his unit performed community work in Panama, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and other countries.
Prior to Whitehead’s address, the veterans and several active-duty soldiers were escorted into the gym by members of the NMCC National Honor Society, which hosted the event. NHS president Taylor Shaw introduced each of the veterans stating their rank and years of service.
Laurel Towery, NHS secretary, gave the invocation. NHS member Peyton Jarmon led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The history of Veterans Day was read by NHS Historian Bently Rooker, and Joebeth Riley, NHS member. Laine McElveen, NHS sergeant at arms, introduced Whitehead.
Following Whitehead’s speech, NHS member Allie Kenedy offered a prayer thanking the veterans for their bravery and sacrifice. Lindsey Reese, NHS treasurer, then asked the audience to join her in a moment of silence to honor servicemen and women who have given their lives for their country.
NHS vice president Destiny Hughes and Mylee Cook, NHS member, offered thanks as the program concluded.
The program also featured music performed by the NMCC band, the Singing Eagles and the NMCC Bass Choir. “Echo Taps” was performed by Andrew Higgerson, Gavin Harris and Luke Higgerson.
Jared Shackleford, NMCC principal, offered some closing remarks. He told the students that during the two years he lived abroad he found most individuals were welcoming but in some cases he was hated and assaulted simply because he was an American.
“We are incredibly grateful to those who have and those who still are dedicating their lives to protecting ours and our way of life here in our great nation,” he said then turning to the veterans adding, “Thank you very, very much in doing that for us.”