On Nov. 9, the U.S. Army National Guard visited Jeff Tech to participate in a Veteran’s Day program at the school. The program was organized by English teacher Melissa Mulhollan and directed by Staff Sargent (SSG) Michael Barnett.
Accompanying Barnett at the school were Lieutenant Colonel Scott North SSG John Snow and SSG Rob Zuzek. Students who are presently enlisted and have already completed basic training arrived at the school in their dress blues to participate in the program. Those students are Paul Testi, Dillon Conoran and Michael Williams.
Protective Services program students led the ceremony with the color guard. SSG Troy Conrad, protective services instructor, who switched from the U.S. Army Reserves to the U.S. National Guard, was sworn in at the ceremony.
An essay contest was held at the school prior to the program. This question was posed to students: “Is Freedom Really Free?” Justin Gooden, a sophomore protective services student won the essay contest and presented his essay at the ceremony.
Gooden was awarded numerous prizes donated by the U.S. National Guard and a prize basket from the school, which included items donated by the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines and U.S. Air Force.
Gooden and a friend were invited to join the Veterans for a luncheon served by Jeff Tech Food Service. The members of the National Guard also brought along an M35 cargo truck and a Humvee for students to explore.
These were parked in front of the school throughout the day.