On November 6, Greenbrier East’s JROTC held a ceremony at the school to honor those veterans that served in any military branch (the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines). The JROTC helped present and to recognize the approximately 60 veterans who attended.

Greenbrier County Schools and the JROTC program were honored to organize and hold this year’s ceremony. The cadets, along with Major Darel Pickenpaugh and Sergeant Lefty Smith, put in a lot of time and effort to make it special.

“It was a privilege to be chosen to speak and represent the school and the JROTC program,” Cadet Emmalee Perkins said.

As the veterans arrived, cadets escorted them to the aux gym for a filling breakfast that included biscuits and gravy, coffee, fruit, yogurt, and more, all prepared by the Pro-Start class. Following breakfast, the veterans were escorted to their seats as bagpipes played. The student body stood out of respect and continued to stand for the national anthem.

During the next part of the program the Color Guard presented each military branch’s flag while each veteran was called to be recognized.

Next the table ceremony began. According to the War Memorial Center, “the Missing Man Table, sometimes referred to as the Fallen Comrade Table, is meant to remind viewers of those fallen, missing, or imprisoned U.S. Military Service Members.” A few select East cadets each represented one branch to show that even though that branch’s spot at the table is empty, the soldiers’ spirits are still with us and they will never be forgotten.

Afterwards, the cadets who wore OCPs (Operational Camouflage Pattern) or Blues uniforms formed a tunnel. As each veteran walked by, the cadets saluted to thank them for their service.

“I enjoy helping do the program,” Major Pickenpaugh said. “It gets students more involved and a feel of what JROTC is about. And the cadets did an excellent job.”