Moreno Valley Vets Travel to Teach

A recent program hosted by a high school in the Inland Empire was organized by the U.S. History Department led by Jeff Perry along with staff members Rondi Verdugo, LeAnn Southward, Aaron Keck, Paul Schroeder and Nielle Reinhart. The program began two years ago by Jim Pfeiffer, former Corona High School Principal and WWII Army Air Corp Veteran. He had attended similar events hosted by other high schools and wanted to bring it to his own school. Mr. Pfeiffer recently celebrated his 90th birthday and was in attendance at the Corona HS event as a participant last week. A continental breakfast served by the high school seniors greeted arriving guests of honor, the Veterans. The teachers were on hand as well to welcome the veterans. As the guests arrived, they signed in for the event and were assigned a table where they would be seated. There were 65 veterans in attendance from Moreno Valley and other communities throughout the Inland Empire. Once seated, 650 junior class students filed into the gymnasium. A group of 9-10 students were seated at each table with a veteran. Jeff Perry, event organizer, opened the event by introducing Army Veteran, Mr. Laffey. Mr. Laffey played taps in honor of those who had died in service to their country. The high school JROTC Honor Guard were on hand with each branch of the military represented. The high school's Choir performed the National Anthem. Mr. Perry proceeded to explain how the program would work. Each student had been given a questionnaire and were to ask the veterans various questions about their military career. Many of the veterans were dressed in uniform and brought memorabilia to share with the students. During the duration of the program, each group of students had the privilege of interviewing two veterans. Principal Danny Kim said, “This is an opportunity for our students to experience real-life history and get a fresh learning perspective. This program takes months of planning. It is a success because of our teachers, students, the Veterans and the community.” At the close of the program, each veteran was presented a key ring in the shape of a dog tag inscribed with their name and date of the Veterans Celebration. The students were dismissed to return to their classrooms. Lunch was served to the veterans by the student volunteers. This program presented an outstanding opportunity for the students to experience living U.S. History from U.S. Veterans that have endless stories to recount about their lives in the military. Everyone put their best foot forward, students and adults, to make this such an invaluable experience for everyone present. It was living history at its finest with veterans recounting their military experiences and life lessons with the students and leaders of tomorrow.