Riverside High School Honors Veterans
Recognized veterans included
Back Row: Darrell Lamme, Larry Theis, Kermit Bourek, Robert Smith, Seth Bembrick, Brett Hontz,
Front Row: Levi Schultz, Bob Geissert, Raymond Miller, James “Jack” Bartley, Brian Stackhouse, George Eisiminger
On Monday morning, November 11, twelve Military Veterans were honored at a ceremony at Riverside High School. The ceremony began with Riverside superintendent Mrs. Jennifer Gatz giving a welcome, followed by the Posting of the Colors by sophomores Gauge Cordonnier and Spencer Schultz. The Cyclone Choir, under the direction of Vocal Music Teacher Anthony Nelson, sang the National Anthem. Senior Kelbie Brendle read the Veteran’s Day Proclamation from President Biden. President Biden’s proclamation stated, “Each one of our Nation’s veterans is a link in a chain of honor that stretches back to our founding days - bound by a sacred oath to support and defend the United States of America.”
Riverside High School Principal Mrs. Lynn Laipple read each veteran’s name and branch of military service as the students presented them with a certificate of appreciation for their service to our nation. Mrs. Laipple introduced guest speaker Major (retired) Brian Stackhouse. Major Stackhouse joined the Army after high school, completing the Special Forces training as a medic, and was assigned to a HALO team in the 7th Special Forces Group. He served in Desert Storm, Operation Uphold Democracy to Haiti, and Operation Joint Endeavor in Bosnia.
After leaving active duty, he accepted a position as an instructor at Missouri Western State University, training young men and women to become officers in the Army. For the last 15 years, he was the Senior Army JROTC Instructor at Benton High School.
Major Stackhouse is a Master Parachutist in static line and military freefall, a Ranger school graduate, and Special Forces Qualified. He has been to over 30 foreign countries, training, advising, and working with military units in those countries. Major Stackhouse has retired from teaching but is still active in the American Legion and Boy Scout Activities.
Major Stackhous’s speech was followed by patriotic readings by seniors Karmen Baldwin and Bayleigh Cooper.
The Riverside High School Cyclone Choir rounded out the ceremony with a beautiful performance of Battle Hymn of the Republic. Closing remarks were given by Molly Miller.
After the ceremony, the veterans and their guests were invited to a cookie and punch reception in the library. Riverside High School would like to thank all the veterans in our communities who served our country to protect the freedoms we all enjoy today.