Local veterans honored by Hodgdon students

By Dayna Tidd
Special to the Pioneer Times
    The morning of Nov. 10 was an early one for the Hodgdon High School Jobs For Maine’s Graduates students who volunteered to cook breakfast and serve approximately 50 veterans, as well as numerous guests and staff at Hodgdon High School.     The JMG students started cooking 6 a.m. for the annual Veterans Day Breakfast in the high school gym to show their  appreciation for local veterans, as well as current military. Contributed photo/Marilyn Sjoberg
THANK YOU VETERANS — Hodgdon High School Principal Clark Rafford, in uniform, greeted guests for a special breakfast prepared by students on Veterans Day. From left are: WW II veteran and POW Floyd Smith and his sister, Ruby Smith Sjoberg who also served during WW II, Rafford, and WW II veteran Linwood Jameson.
    This year Mr. Clark Rafford, principal of Hodgdon High School, and Kara Wright, the school’s Jobs For Maine’s Graduates teacher/coordinator, welcomed the large crowd to the school. The Army National Guard Honor Guard did the Presentation of Colors for the event. An excited group of first-graders in Mrs. Linda Callnan’s, Mrs. Brenda Griffin’s, and Mrs. Estabrook’s classes were present to say the Pledge of Allegiance and sing a song for the guests at the event.
    Guest speaker, Mrs. Heather Maker held the attention of the crowd when she spoke about the importance of the efforts of both veterans and the current military serving all over the world for different causes. Mrs. Maker is the wife of Sgt. Harold Maker who is currently serving on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border. Mrs. Maker sent a touching message throughout the entire gym at the high school, and was an inspiration to many on this special day.
    The breakfast also consisted of a time to introduce each veteran at the event, including what war he or she fought in, the time frame for his or her service, and any conflict in which they may have taken part.  JMG students, Samantha Lycette and Katelyn Duff introduced the veterans.
    This event would not be possible without the help of generous donations from local businesses.
    The Jobs For Maine’s Graduates Career Association thanks all of the veterans that once risked their lives, as well as those who are currently serving, for their past and present commitment.  This event is one of our favorite events, because you veterans are very close to our hearts.  The Veterans Day Breakfast is such a small gift compared to the commitment and honor that you have shown for your country and its people.  We can’t thank you enough, and hope to see you at our Veterans Breakfasts in the years to come.