Girard High School will host the 46th annual Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m.
Lt. Col. Don Stoner, Professor of Military Science at Pittsburg State University, will deliver the keynote address.
Stoner earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a master’s degree from Southern Nazarene University. In his 17 years of military experience he has seen duty in various locations, including Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Virginia, Kansas, Germany, and Iraq.
Although he began his career as an infantry officer, Stoner now serves as a human resource officer at Pittsburg State. He and his wife Heather, as well as their two children, Hayle and Mitchell, reside in Frontenac.
Stoner has been honored with numerous awards and decorations during his service. He is a two-time recipient of the Army Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Overseas Service Ribbon as well as a three-time recipient of the Meritorious Service Medal.
From 2005-2008, Stoner served tours of duty in Germany and Iraq. While in Iraq, he served in the 12th Combat Aviation Brigade.
He plans to highlight the value of military service and share personal stories of his experiences during his address.
Prior to the program, a 9 a.m. breakfast will be served in the GHS cafeteria to all veterans who wish to attend, and the ceremony will directly follow at 10 a.m. in the gymnasium.
The GHS Student Council and sponsor Mark McFarland are responsible for hosting the event. Student body president Carly Twarog will serve as the master of ceremonies for the program while vice president Carly Lallemand will provide a history of Armistice Day.
Eric Bowman and Dalton Piatt, members of Dr. Terry Wunder’s drama program, will read commemorative poems during the ceremony. Dave Childers, specialist with the 772 Engineer Company in Pittsburg, is going to present a flag flown over Iraq during his time over there.
The GHS Band, under the direction of Willey Abati, has prepared musical selections to be played, including “America” arranged by Bob Cotter and “Marches of the Armed Forces” arranged by Michael Sweeney.
Ashlee and Baylee Hisey will play “Taps” at the conclusion of the ceremony.
The GHS in-house training class and advisor Kelly Burnick will produce an iMovie slide show to commemorate local veterans.
The public is invited to attend the program.
GIRARD —
