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In recognition of Veteran’s Day, several local vets were honored at a special presentation at the Wellington High School. Students from the various elementary schools, the middle school and the high school performed patriotic songs in front of a packed auditorium.
After a stirring welcome by Jim Valentine-- a Vietnam vet, himself-- Douglas Smith took the stage. Smith served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, flying numerous medical evacuation missions.
Over the years, Smith has been awarded with several awards and commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Army Aviation Wings, and the Bronze Star.
The distinguished veteran reflected on his service time and discussed how it shaped his life.
“I thought: Big deal, those men up there aren’t any braver than those men on the ground,” said Smith, recalling when he heard of the first moon landing, while flying as he served in Vietnam.
The program finished with a medley played by the Wellington High School band of each military branch’s official song. Vets in attendance were invited to stand when their song played.
When the presentation was finished, the vets were treated to a luncheon put on by the high school’s leadership class.
In recognition of Veteran’s Day, several local vets were honored at a special presentation at the Wellington High School. Students from the various elementary schools, the middle school and the high school performed patriotic songs in front of a packed auditorium.
After a stirring welcome by Jim Valentine-- a Vietnam vet, himself-- Douglas Smith took the stage. Smith served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, flying numerous medical evacuation missions.
Over the years, Smith has been awarded with several awards and commendations, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Army Aviation Wings, and the Bronze Star.
The distinguished veteran reflected on his service time and discussed how it shaped his life.
“I thought: Big deal, those men up there aren’t any braver than those men on the ground,” said Smith, recalling when he heard of the first moon landing, while flying as he served in Vietnam.
The program finished with a medley played by the Wellington High School band of each military branch’s official song. Vets in attendance were invited to stand when their song played.
When the presentation was finished, the vets were treated to a luncheon put on by the high school’s leadership class.
