Students in the Prairie Central school district heard from members of the military and even saw a Black Hawk helicopter during Veterans Day observances on Monday.
Staff Sergeant Chase Collins, a U.S. Army Medic and Army Recruiter from the PC Class of 2016, addressed the PCHS student body at a ceremony held in the gym. He was mobilized to go overseas three times. Prior to joining the Army, he wasn’t sure how he was going to accomplish life goals such as going to college.
“I was talked to like a peer,” Collins said of an initial Army meeting.
Collins considers a trip to Africa in 2018 a “culture shock” due to the lifesaving actions he showed others.
“I saw a whole other world.”
He later went to Afghanistan which he referred to as mentally taxing and physically demanding.
“Those experiences I had there shaped me into the man I am today,” explained Collins who then went to West Point to teach advanced first aid to cadets.
Also at the high school ceremony, PCHS Principal Wade Czerwonka discussed the history behind the day which initially marked the end of World War I when it was referred to as Armistice Day.
“Veterans Day means sacrifice, freedom and honor for those who serve in the military,” noted Czerwonka.
State Rep. Jason Bunting of the 106th District described a veteran as someone who selflessly wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America – whether active duty, discharged or retired.
“Our veterans have served and sacrificed so the rest of us can enjoy the rights we cherish today,” said Bunting.
Lawmakers in Springfield are working to address the challenges veterans face.
“We must never turn our backs on them” he added.
State Senator Tom Bennett of the 53rd District reminded the crowd that millions of Americans have served in the Armed Forces since our country’s founding.
“We are part of history today, every one of us,” Bennett said.
According to Bennett, we fought hard for our freedom. He hopes everyone expresses their deepest gratitude to the brave men and women fighting for us now. He referred to a quote from the late Senator John McCain that said Americans never quit.
“Let us not only thank our veterans for their service but honor them,” stated Bennett.
At Prairie Central Junior High in Forrest, Spc. Rayce Pekarovich from the PCHS Class of 2024 spoke of the sacrifice given by all American veterans.
“Each veteran has made a sacrifice beyond their own character,” he explained.
Pekarovich said greatness is about the impact left on peers and the legacy left behind. He thanked all of the veterans in attendance.
“I am proud to serve this country as you once did.”
The Forrest American Legion Color Guard participated in the PC Junior High ceremony while the Fairbury VFW Post 9789 and American Legion John Joda Post 54 participated at the PC High School event. Both the PCJH and PCHS bands provided musical selections at their respective ceremonies.
A highlight for students at Primary West in Chenoa, Prairie Central Elementary in Fairbury and Prairie Central High School was the chance to see a Black Hawk helicopter up close. CW2 Chief Warrant Officer Joshua Smith with the Army National Guard brought the aircraft to the schools to show students and members of the public.
Smith, a 2010 Prairie Central graduate, just returned from a Middle East deployment in January. The crew members are subject matter experts in aviation and can be activated by the governor or president in emergencies.
Dave’s Supermarket in Fairbury was among the area businesses honoring veterans by treating them to lunch. They served 100 area veterans at the deli.
