By Pvt. Alexis Koster and Pfc. Aaron Carpenter
Special to GUIDON

Veterans Day is just another day off for many people, but the true meaning is what allows others to live in that way.

The students of Sand Creek Elementary had the opportunity not only to go to school next to a Field Training Exercise with 1,200 service members and celebrate this emotional day, but they were also introduced to a hero who served in Iwo Jima, in 1945, during one of the bloodiest battles of World War II.

John Coffey, a precursor to what we now know as an Explosive Ordinance Disposal expert, was recognized at the school for his actions in the greatest conflict the world has ever seen by receiving a Purple Heart from Sgt. Maj. Kendall Owens, 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s current operations sergeant major and Capt. Brett Medsker, Headquarters and Headquarters Company commander, 4th MEB.

 The House of Representatives approved the distinction days earlier and it was only fitting to celebrate his accomplishments on this day of remembrance.

Considering the magnitude of this event for Coffey and the children involved, a select group of guests from the 4th MEB stepped away from the 4-day FTX — focused on keeping America safe to honor this occasion.

The ceremony started off with the members of Veterans of Foreign Wars 2120 presenting the colors. During the national anthem, the whole student body as well as the guests joined in singing the song. Later the students and their veteran relatives were brought up one-by-one and recognized.

Captain Stacey Gross, 4th MEB, took the podium and began speaking to the children of Sand Creek.  She asked them if they knew what the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force did and informed them each service member who puts on a uniform does so to keep America free.  Then she taught them how to salute and led them in saluting Coffey.

The children proceeded in presenting patriotic songs by grade led by the school’s music teachers.

Teachers and staff baked approximately 1,200 cookies for the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines who worked diligently during the exercise.  The staff at the school wanted to reach out and thank the service members so they baked enough chocolate chip cookies for everyone involved.

A certificate of appreciation was also presented from the school to the service members at the event.

The ceremony ended with the VFW presenting Sand Creek Elementary with a flag for their school.

(Editor’s note: Koster and Carpenter write for the 4th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade.)