U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant Andy English engaging with Potomac students following his presentation at the Veterans Breakfast and Assembly Nov. 10. English is letting the students try on his helmet. See page 8 for the article and more photos of the assembly.
Potomac School fifth grade students presented a patriotic skit along with their classmates at the Veterans Breakfast and Assembly Nov. 10.
Potomac Veterans Robert Hall and Scott Miller catching up during the first annual Veterans Breakfast and Assembly Nov. 10 at the Potomac/Greenough Community Center.
POTOMAC - Potomac veterans joined Potomac School students Nov. 10 for the first annual Veterans Breakfast and Assembly at the Potomac/Greenough Community Center (PGCC). Grades kindergarten through eighth sang songs, played instruments, recited and acted for the veterans and their families.
Breakfast, provided by head cook Debra Blodgett, included pancakes, breakfast sandwiches, fruits, milk, juice and coffee.
The poem "Veterans Day" by Jessica Hawkins was recited by Terri Klein's first grade class. "America the Beautiful" was sung by the second and third grades and "The Star Spangled Banner" was sung and played by the fourth grade.
When the music for the Star Spangled Banner began, the audience stood and faced the flag with their hands over their hearts in honor.
The fifth and sixth grades presented a skit on different patriotic trivia. Sarah Schmill's chimes class played "America" and "Yankee Doodle Dandy".
Senior Master Sergeant Andy English of the United States Air Force (USAF) traveled from Great Falls, Mont. to be the speaker for the event. He talked about what the USAF does and explained his uniform and helmet to the students.
English held a question and answer time with the students. The questions are in bold followed by English's response. Questions asked varied between his parachute, G suit and the fighter jets, why they need night vision, how many enemies there are, and how do they go to the bathroom when flying in a fighter jet.
What happens when you are shot down in your ship? Well, we try to stay really high over the bad guys.
How many people die? Not many, but some do.
What is the hose on the helmet for? It is an oxygen supply and microphone that is hooked directly to the airplane.
How old are you right now? 51
How much gas does a jet burn? About 10,000 pounds of fuel per mission.
How fast does a jet go? An F16 can go 1,350 mph.
What was your training like? Some fun, some not so fun. This answer brought smiles and a few laughs from listening veterans.
The assembly ended with an applause and thank you from the students for the veterans.
Potomac School Principal Angie Williams organized the event because she felt it is valuable for the students as well as the veterans. "I feel it is important for kids to meet our veterans and give them the opportunity to appreciate what they've done and/or do for us," she said.
Williams added, "Sometimes it feels like we get swept away from the values that made our country great and we need a reminder now and then."
Reader Comments(0)