Vietnam Veterans Honored at WCHS

Vietnam Veterans do not always get the appreciation they deserve, and they especially were not recognized properly when they first came home decades ago. But White County High School, with the help of some dedicated veterans, once again put together their Vietnam Veterans Day Ceremony on March 27.

During the event, the veterans present were recognized for their service to the country. Not only that, but there was also a list read off for those Vietnam heroes that never made it home. There were veterans from most branches of the military present during the service, with about 40 veterans total present.

The ceremony is a yearly affair, and there is one veteran who has worked hard to help bring together as many Vietnam Vets in the community to the event each year. That same veteran was also awarded his own Sparta Warrior award. That veteran: Jerry Kelsey.

Kelsey is a Sparta resident, born and raised. He enlisted in the Army only a few days after graduating high school in 1965. He was worked hard the past few years, connecting multiple veterans to the High School so they can attend this event. His Sparta trophy, awarded to him by Principal Greg Wilson, had inscribed on it: “Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior.”

The school also had a special guest to perform at the event. Gene Hodges, another veteran who most around here know for his singing, performed Leo Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” with the Choir. The entire gymnasium stood up, visitors, staff, and students all, while Hodges beautifully performed.

JROTC instructors Douglas Romero and Jason Moore worked hard to make this year’s ceremony one to remember, and they are always happy to find more Vietnam vets out there that may want to participate in the future. They are sadly a shrinking population nowadays, so it is best to honor those who sacrificed much for America while they are still here.