Blake Middle School students listen intently as Army National Guard veteran Tom Sweeney shares stories during a visit on Nov. 10. (Photo courtesy Medfield Public Schools)
MEDFIELD — Superintendent Jeffrey J. Marsden and Thomas Blake Middle School Principal Nat Vaughn are pleased to share that the middle school continued its annual tradition of inviting local veterans to speak with sixth-graders this year.
On Monday, Nov. 10, 11 local veterans, including State Rep. Josh Tarsky, visited Thomas Blake Middle School ahead of the Veterans Day holiday. The visit is part of a tradition that began in 2012, when the school unveiled a Vietnam Veterans Plaque during a Veterans Day assembly to honor community members who served in Vietnam.
This year’s visiting veterans included:
Air Force
- Ron Griffin
- Bill Hajjar
- Ian Rogers
Army
- State Rep. Josh Tarsky (13th Norfolk District, which includes Medfield)
- Barry Parker
- Dean Putnam
Army National Guard
- Tom Sweeney
Marines
- Jim Walsh
Navy
- Jim Aldinger
- Paul Galofaro
U.S. Coast Guard
- Jim Mankus
Veterans visited 6th-grade advisory classrooms to share stories, discuss their service, show photos and memorabilia, and answer questions from students. Some veterans attended in uniform.
Following the classroom conversations, veterans joined staff and student representatives for lunch.
“We are honored to welcome veterans to Blake Middle School each year,” said Principal Vaughn. “Their experiences help students understand the history, commitment, and service behind our nation’s military. We are grateful they continue to share their stories with our sixth-graders, and we thank them for their service to our country.”
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