Trautmann Middle School Honors Hometown Veterans

Posted Date: 11/07/2018

Stars and stripes were in abundant display for our greatest patriots at the annual Trautmann Middle School (TMS), Veteran's Day Celebration! Over 80 local veterans arrived to be greeted by UISD Board President Aliza Flores Oliveros, UISD Exec. Director of Middle School Instruction David Canales, and TMS Principal Leticia Menchaca. The TMS Short Horn Patriots, Lasso Dance Team and cheerleaders provided hospitality and entertainment during the two-part event, which began with continental breakfast in the campus library. Veterans were given a chance to reminisce and mingle before walking to the gymnasium for a formal presentation. The ceremony began with the Presentation of Colors by the United High School Air Force ROTC,  and continued with the Pledge of Allegiance and patriotic selections played by the TMS Band. After a welcome from Principal Menchaca, 8^thgrade class president Guarino Cavazos reflected on the importance of Veteran’s Day as a national observance.

Key speaker for the event was Mr. Elwynn Sherman, a gulf war veteran who served in Operation Desert Shield. Sherman’s passionate dialogue reminded the audience of students and family members that it is every patriot's responsibility to fully understand the meaning of the words in the Pledge of Allegiance. “Our soldiers and veterans put it all on the line in strange lands, far away from their families. They love America more than they love themselves, and that is powerful. Our defenders unequivocally understand what’s at stake when they put on a military uniform to serve our country here at home and abroad. I respectfully ask that you keep them in your prayers and take a moment to thank them for their service”, concluded Sherman.

All veterans in attendance received a token of appreciation for their service. Principal Menchaca said that her campus proudly supports veterans. “We try to make it special for them, and this year marks our eighth Veteran’s Day celebration. The number of vets attending our annual celebration has seen an uptick over the past few, and we intend to keep this tradition alive when we move to our new campus in the future”, she concluded. The event was organized by Social Studies department head Cindy Leyendecker and Social Studies teacher Juan Carlos Rodriguez.