Photos by Ken Odor
The Goochland Middle School Chorus sings at the Veterans Day assembly last week.  Below right, The Marine Veterans Honor Guard presents the colors at the beginning of the American Legion Veterans Day Ceremony.

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Heavy rain from Tropical Storm Ida drove Goochland’s traditional Courthouse Green Veterans Day Observance inside last Wednesday. But the change of venue didn’t affect the spirit of gratitude for the sacrifices of our troops.

American Legion Post 215 sponsored their traditional ceremony, which moved to the Goochland High School auditorium.

The program included presentation of the colors by the Marine Veterans Honor Guard, and a stirring rendition of the National Anthem led by James Waldrop.

The Goochland High School Band also played a selection of patriotic music.

The guest of honor was Capt. Cathy Wilson, a retired U.S. Navy medical administrator who is now Executive Director of the Virginia Wounded Warrior Program.

“It takes all of us to take care of our service people,” said Wilson, who served as commanding officer of the U. S. Military Hospital Kuwait (a tent hospital), along with nine Troop Medical Clinics located in Kuwait and Qatar.

“I was worried,” said Wilson about her state of mind before leaving for Kuwait. “That worry went away after I deployed.”

She said the way her staff responded to a mass casualty event “would have made you so proud, it would pop every button on your shirt,” as she described how the medical professionals under her command worked to care for the wounded.

Wilson’s father served from 1930 - 1939 on the battleship U. S. S. Arizona, sunk by the Japanese in the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. That incident brought the United States into World War II.

“He knew most of the crew members who died that day,” said Wilson, who lost a brother-in-law in the Vietnam War.

Referring to the shooting last week at Fort Hood in Texas, where 13 were killed, Wilson said every family who loses a loved one suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.

“It’s not a disorder unless it moves beyond to alcohol or substance abuse or excessive anger,” said Wilson. She said this is particularly a problem in Virginia where one of every 10 citizens is a veteran, and that family members can also be affected.

“America is at its best when we are facing the worst,” said Wilson, who said the agency she heads deals with stress related injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Two hours earlier in the same auditorium Goochland Middle School held its own Veterans Day observance, featuring several student speakers and a video about the importance of veterans.

The program featured the hymns of each of the services, and veterans were invited to stand and be recognized as their service’s hymn was performed.

The guest speaker was former GMS soccer coach Ron Spessard.

“Some of you know me as Mr. S,” said Spessard, who served in the U. S. Army from 1960 to 1966.

“There are those working to destroy our way of life,” said Spessard. “Your veterans hold the line.”

Spessard said veterans are not hard to find.

“They are your fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters,” he said, urging those assembled to take a moment to thank a veteran. “Shake a hand, give them a hug – say thank you,” he advised the students.

Spessard concluded his remarks on a solemn note, saying “I will always see the faces of my fallen brothers.”

Photo by Ken Odor
The Marine Veterans Honor Guard presents the colors at the beginning of the American Legion Veterans Day Ceremony.

Photo by Ken Odor
Guest speaker Catherine Wilson, a retired captain in the U.S. Navy, speaks with Post 215 member Bob Netherland after the ceremony held last week at the Goochland High School Auditorium.

Photo by Ken Odor
Teacher Emily Ray holds a flag in honor of her father-in-law who served in World War II. 

Photo by Ken Odor
Speaker Ron Spessard, far right, and Bob Netherland of American Legion Post 215 recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the Goochland Middle School Veterans Day ceremony.

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