Tanaina Elementary Celebrates Veterans
Contributed by Keltin Comfort
Tanaina Elementary proudly hosted its annual Veteran’s Day Assembly on Friday, November 7. Students, staff, and visitors packed into our gym for an hour of music, learning, and appreciation.
We were thrilled to have Tyler Martin and the Wasilla High School Band with us this year. They started the Assembly with patriotic songs, setting the tone for the hour ahead.
Thanks to the teaching of our Music teacher, Mr. Seth Blohm, Tanaina students performed five songs throughout the assembly.
Our fifth graders sang the “Alaska Flag Song.”
Kindergarten and First Grade sang “America the Beautiful.”
Second and Third Grade sang “This Land is Your Land.”
Fourth and Fifth Grade sang “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
The enthusiastic participation of our students made the assembly special for each person in attendance.
Our first speaker, Army Sergeant First Class Nate Sandback, is an ROTC instructor at UAA. This amazing gentleman came at only a week’s notice. Initially expecting to speak to one classroom, Sgt. Sandback quickly adapted when he learned he’d be addressing the entire school. He gave a beautiful speech reminding us that, as Americans, we have a valuable way of life which must be defended. He told us that we owe a great big “Thank you” to every veteran who has given themselves to our country.
Our second speaker, Air Force Chief Master Sergeant John Cyr (Retired), was JBER’s 176th Wing Chief Enlisted Manager for Transportation. He is also the husband of our principal, Mrs. Cheri Cyr. He gave us an inspiring view of the sacrifice of our enlisted soldiers and their families.
Our third speaker was Army Staff Sergeant Devon Stewart (Retired). He is a parent at our school and is an extremely talented speaker. Although busy with his security job on the North Slope, he somehow found time to write a personalized Tanaina Veteran’s Day song and record a video teaching it to our students. He moved us deeply, saying
“Everything we did in the Army, the Air Force, the Navy, the Marines, the Coast Guard... it was all for you; because we believe in you!”
Thanks to the initiative of Principal Cyr, each veteran in attendance went away with a beautiful carnation.
Finally, the WHS Band filled our gymnasium with a stirring rendition of the famous “Stars and Stripes Forever.”
This assembly not only honored our veterans but also instilled our students with a deeper appreciation for service, sacrifice, and freedom.
From Tanaina Elementary, Thank You Veterans!