Special to the Pioneer Times
STACYVILLE — On Oct. 11, Alan Bouchard, who served with the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division from 1989 to 1993, visited Liz Clark and Patsy Dyer’s fourth grade classes at Katahdin Elementary School. 
Photo courtesy of VFW Post 2299
Students in Liz Clark and Patsy Dyer’s fourth grade classes at Katahdin Elementary recently enjoyed a visit from Alan Bouchard, who served with the U.S. Army’s 1st Armored Division from 1989 to 1993.
Bouchard took time to speak with the children as part of the VFW “Vets in the Classroom” program sponsored by the Sherman Area Memorial VFW 2299 Post, Auxiliary and Junior Girls Unit.
Photo courtesy of Sherman Area Memorial VFW
Members of the Junior Girls at the Sherman Area Memorial VFW have a unique distinction — they’re the only Junior Girls’ unit in the state. Members include, from left: Treasurer Chelsea Noonan, Victoria Heath (the unit’s newest member) and Secretary Brenna Noonan.
The Veterans in the Classroom program gives veterans a chance to come to local schools to talk with the children about being in the military.
During his visit, Bouchard told the children about his time in Germany where he was stationed prior to his deployment to Desert Storm. He described how he and his platoon was airlifted into Saudi Arabia in the middle of the night where they waited for another platoon to come and lead them to base camp. He gave all of the children time for questions and many of them commented on their loved ones who where either in the service now or in the past. They also asked several questions about different military equipment and how they were used. Bouchard answered several questions by the very interested students including his son Jakob who was very proud to have his father come and speak about serving his country.
Photo courtesy of Sherman Area Memorial VFW
Members of the Sherman Area Memorial VFW Ladies Auxiliary include, from left: Cary Splan, Trustee; Colleen Guiggey, Trustee; Irene Heath, Secretary and Allison Roy, President. Absent from the photo are: Jessica Bouchard, Treasurer and Ethel Morgan, Chaplain.
At the conclusion of the presentation, Auxiliary President Allison Roy and Auxiliary Treasurer Jessica Bouchard passed out small American Flags and buddy poppies. Hospitalized veterans at VA hospitals made the buddy poppies. The VFW has several Buddy Poppy drives where the proceeds are used to help provide relief and aid to needy veterans. Roy also discussed the opportunity for the girls that qualify to become part of the Junior Girls unit. She explained to the girls that Sherman Memorial VFW 2299 has the only Junior Girls unit in the state of Maine. Roy told the girls that eligibility requirements would be sent to the school for those interested in joining and mentioned that Rakayla Rogan, one of their classmates, was part of the Junior Girls unit.
Sherman Memorial VFW 2299 would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Principal Christine Cunningham and teachers Liz Clark and Patsy Dyer for allowing Bouchard to speak to the children and share his experiences with them.
Photo courtesy of Sherman Area Memorial VFW
Members of the Sherman Area Memorial VFW 2299 in Stacyville include, from left: Charles Heath Jr.; William Albert, quartermaster and Charles Heath Sr., service officer. Absent from the photo are: Commander Wayne Guiggey and Adjutant Alan Bouchard.
