Local cadets have ‘deep appreciation’ for vets

The Nixa High School U.S. Army Junior ROTC, is joined by members of the Branson High School U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC, the Forsyth High School U.S. Marine Corps Junior ROTC, and the College of the Ozarks Bobcat Company U.S. Army ROTC (pictured).
The groups were taking part in the annual POW/MIA Network Gala.
BDN photo by Wiley Hendrix

By Wiley Hendrix
BDN Staff Writer
whendrix@bransondailynews.com

A group of local high school and college students got a unique perspective on Veterans Day.

Cadets from College of the Ozarks Bobcat Company U.S. Army ROTC, along with cadets from Branson High School U.S. Air Force Junior ROTC, Forsyth High School U.S. Marine Corps Junior ROTC and Nixa High School U.S. Army Junior ROTC served as color guard units for several of the events during A Veterans Homecoming in Branson.

All four groups had cadets serving as one massive color guard unit on Sunday at Chateau on the Lake for the POW/MIA Network Gala.

“As ROTC cadets, we already have a deep appreciation for veterans and all they have sacrificed for this country,” said Cadet Lt. Col. Zach Spaulding, of Branson. “We also get to interact with the vets. It’s pretty awesome.”

Lt. Col. Doug Denney, commanding officer at Branson, said one of the best ways for his students to learn about history is to spend time with veterans.

“There is no better way to learn than to take part,” Denney said. “It’s important to have these young people interact with the thousands of veterans who come to this area.”

Cadet Capt. Caleb Dunnam, from C of O, said the young people should relish being able to spend time with the veterans.

“What a great honor it is to be with these heroes,” Dunnam said. “We also have a wonderful opportunity to look veterans in the eye and offer our appreciation for their service.”

“I like that, as cadets, we get to have exposure to these fantastic men and women,” added C of O Cadet Kate Hughes. “I have so much appreciation for what they have done for me and my country and it is an even greater appreciation after being around them.”

Several of the youngsters said they find enjoyment in just listening to the veterans tell their stories.

“Every veteran has a great story,” said Cadet Capt. Patrick Chun, of Forsyth. “I really like being around them because they have such amazing true stories.”

Cadet Lt. Col. Paige Jones said spending time with the veterans gave her a new perspective.

“Serving as a color guard for these events is a great way to show our appreciation,” Jones said. “There is no way to repay them, but we can give a little something back. They deserve every honor that we can give them.”