Southard School pupils give thanks to veterans
Howell school honors service and sacrifice of America’s military
BY LARRY HLAVENKA JR.
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Veterans of the United States armed forces gather for an assembly at the Southard School, Howell, on Dec. 8.

On a recent school day, the staff and students at the Southard School in Howell rolled out the red, white and blue carpet for nearly two dozen military veterans.

They came to Southard for the school’s third annual celebration of veterans. The guests were honored with breakfast and an hour-long presentation featuring videos, songs and processions.

As part of the festivities the school hallways were adorned in red, white and blue paper, complete with thank you notes from the students — many of whom were dressed in patriotic attire.

Along the way, music teacher Mary Jo Smith sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and led a group of students who sang Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”

Later, Principal Drew Smith introduced the event’s keynote speaker, Senior Master Sgt. Joe Schneckenberger, a 45-year military veteran. He enlisted in the Air Force in November 1947 and is originally from Orange.

Sr. Master Sgt. Joe Schneckenberger

Schneckenberger, who is now retired, served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. After completing his active duty he served as a teacher for Junior ROTC cadets. He resides in Los Angeles.

Schneckenberger is the uncle of Smith’s wife, who helped facilitate the cross-country trip.

As Schneckenberger addressed the students, he told them he encountered difficulty finding words to express his feelings. However, after he received in the mail a mug from a group of disabled military veterans, he found his answer.

“I have been all over the world and let me tell you students, we are the best and strongest country in the world,” he said, “but freedom is not free.”

He said the mug was emblazoned with the same words.

Schneckenberger recalled those who lost their lives in service to the nation and reminded the students of their sacrifice.

“Our military veterans have been fighting to protect your freedoms,” he said. “Over 1 million have given the supreme sacrifice and will not be back to their families. Fields are covered with white crosses around the world for military veterans.”

Pupils at the Southard School, Howell, salute their honored guests during an assembly honoring America’s armed forces veterans.

Schneckenberger encouraged the students to speak with their grandparents, or with any veterans they know.

“They are all heroes,” he said. “Give them a big hug and thank them for your freedom.”

With the military through the years, Schneckenberger said little changes — “World War I was supposed to be the war to end all wars ... but the military has given the ultimate sacrifice.”

As a final activity with the students, Schneckenberger taught them drill positions and steps. For the moment, he said, they were all cadets.

The ceremony closed with pictures from the front lines to the tune of Toby Keith’s “American Solider.” As the students exited the gymnasium, they each shook hands, gave high-fives and thanked the veterans who had come to share time with them.