Contributed Photo Sergeant First Class Lori Mathwich, a retired 21-year member of the U.S. Army, stands with her oldest son, Wyatt, a third-grade student at Sacred Heart Catholic School, following the school’s ceremony Nov. 16.
Sacred Heart Catholic School students and staff honored local veterans Nov. 16 with a special ceremony.
The all-school assembly included reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the national anthem, prayer and blessing from the Rev. Tom Farrell, musical videos, Biblical readings, prayer intercessions and the presence of guests from AMVETS Post 10, American Legion Post 117 and VFW Post 2723.
This year’s guest speaker was Lori Mathwich, Sacred Heart Parish’s coordinator of religion education, parish member and Sacred Heart Catholic School parent and alumna. Mathwich, a sergeant first class who spent 21 years in the U.S. Army, was deployed to Iraq in 2003 and did three tours to South America in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama. She was a readiness non-commissioned officer and a Blackhawk crew chief.
Mathwich retired in 2016 to spend more time with her family. Her husband, Shawn Mathwich, is still an active duty officer.
Students and staff members shook the hands of visiting veterans and chatted with them after the ceremony.