Army Veteran Speaks to Middle School Students

McKENZIE (November 11) — Wednesday morning’s Veterans Day program at the McKenzie Middle School was a celebration of veterans and their families, thanks to honored speaker Staff Sergeant Anthony Arvizu.

Kellett (David) Hochreiter, eighth-grade social studies teacher and a United States Army veteran, welcomed attendees to the program and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The middle school band performed the National Anthem, and then 14 middle school students read “Ordinary Americans Who Answered the Call.”

A small choir of middle school students sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” by Lee Greenwood, directed by music teacher Mrs. Veda Haney.

Hochreiter returned to the microphone to introduce the morning’s guest speaker.

“Mr. Arvizu comes from a long line of military veterans, and service through our country is a core part of his family’s identity,” said Hochreiter.

At 36 years old, Staff Sergeant Arvizu has served 12 years in the United States Army. He and his wife, Angela, who has served 17 years in the United States Air Force, share five children: Savannah, Kassidee, Jace, Jake and Jacob. He and his family have experienced life in California, England, Texas and Japan before moving to McKenzie.

“When you’re in the military, it’s a sacrifice,” Arvizu said. “But it’s not just a sacrifice for what I do as a soldier for this great country and the people of my country. It’s a sacrifice that shouldn’t go unnoticed with the wives and children because they’re along for the ride for all of this journey.”

Arvizu explained he and his family recently moved to McKenzie to give his children the ability to settle down and grow roots. His two oldest children, Savannah and Kassidee, are middle school students and were in attendance.

Arvizu asked students to stand if they had grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles or cousins who served in the military. When a large majority of attendees stood, he said, “You all have something in common. Every day, make sure you thank those loved ones who have made that ultimate sacrifice. Be proud of what you belong to. This is why we did what we did…This is why I joined the United States Army and served 12 years for my country. And I wouldn’t change it in a heartbeat.”

At the conclusion of Arvizu’s speech, students Sami Mathis, Madilyn Milam and Nevaeh Herris volunteered to read their V.F.W. Patriot’s Pen essays.

Each year, more than 60,000 students in sixth through eighth grade enter the V.F.W. Patriot’s Pen contest. The essay contest encourages young minds to combine their knowledge of American history with their own experiences in modern American society by drafting a 400-word essay expressing their views on a patriotic theme chosen by the V.F.W. Commander in Chief. This year’s theme: How are you showing patriotism and support for our country?

Mathis began, sharing that she shows devotion to her country by respecting the flag, respecting the law and respecting her freedoms.

Milam read next, sharing how people can show respect, loyalty and love to America by respecting differing opinions and standing alongside decisions made by the country’s leaders.

Herris then read her essay, sharing that she shows patriotism and support for America by serving her community, staying informed, forming her own political views and supporting local and American businesses.

Rebecca Jones, middle school interventionalist, then announced the names of all veterans in attendance, encouraging the veterans and their families to stand for recognition.

Student Deacon Barden read the story of “Taps,” then the McKenzie High School band performed the traditional military funeral hymn.

Jones gave the program’s closing remarks and invited attending veterans to her classroom for breakfast.