Seniors honored for signing with military
The Pea Ridge Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Wood-Hall Post 8109 hosted an inaugural event that will become a tradition for the seniors at Pea Ridge High School, Friday, Oct. 18.
Starting this year, Post 8109 is recognizing those Pea Ridge High School seniors who have decided to take that step that only 1% of the nation’s civilians take — to serve their country in the Unites States military, according to post commander Chris Snow.
Snow said the post will present “Branch of Service” flags to seniors who have already signed up with a branch of military and have sworn in with that branch. These individuals will have the opportunity to serve their nation honorably, as well as, be taught a hands-on skill to help later serve their community, but also earn a college degree and visit other countries while doing so.
“We wish them all the best in their upcoming years of service,” Snow said. “We pray for their safety and wellbeing.”
Snow, accompanied by veterans Charlie Brewer and Terry Thurman, presented the following individuals with their Branch of Service flags:
• Samuel Beard, son of Annette and James Beard, joined the Army National Guard and swore in on Jan. 18, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. He completed Army basic training in the summer of 2019 and his military occupational specialty will be 11 Bravo – Infantry. He will begin his service upon graduating Pea Ridge High School in 2020. Samuel stated that he joined the service because he wanted “to serve our country, community, and to better myself and to secure a good future.”
• Destiny Roughton, daughter of Michelle and Chris Roughton, joined the U.S. Air Force and swore in on Jan. 16, 2019, in Little Rock, Ark. She is currently deciding on a final military occupational specialty and is willing to do whatever job is required of her by the Air Force. Destiny leaves for Air Force basic training on May 19, 2020. She stated the she joined the service “to serve our country, and to follow in her brother’s footsteps.”
• David Snarr, son of Teresa and Michael Snarr, joined the Army National Guard and swore in on Sept. 26, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. David’s military occupational specialty will be 11 Bravo – Infantry. David will leave for Army basic training May 29, 2020. David stated that he joined the service because he felt “it’s my civil duty to serve our country.”
• Chandler Snow, son of Kasey and Chris Snow, joined the U.S. Marine Corps and swore in on July 9, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. Chandler’s military occupational specialty will be “Aviation Ordnance.” Chandler will leave for Marine Corps basic training on June 22, 2020. Chandler stated the he joined the service “to give back to my country all it has given me, to be a part of something bigger than myself, and to make my mother and father proud.”
• Seth Temko, son of Carrie and John Temko, joined the Army National Guard and swore in on Sept. 26, 2019, in Kansas City, Mo. Seth’s military occupational specialty will be “25U” (Signal Support Systems Specialist). Seth will leave for basic training on July 27, 2020. Seth stated the he joined the service with one word – “Patriotism!”
• David Wood, son of Kendra and James Wood, joined the Navy and swore in on Oct. 7, 2019, in Little Rock, Ark. David’s military occupational specialty will be a “AD” – Aviation Machinists Mate. David will leave for basic training in July of 2020. David stated that he joined the service because “I’ve seen the influence of veterans and I’d love to serve the country that has given me so much!”
Also, honored privately, was Todd Johnson, son of John and Donna Johnson, with the Army National Guard flag.