The word Veteran holds many different meanings for different people. Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, heroes. These are just some titles that came to mind. We can only imagine treating our veterans with respect; caring for them, ensuring their well being. Every serviceman and woman should come home to a warm welcome, right?

          Sadly, this was not the case of our Vietnam Veterans. Our school has been fortunate enough to be have been visited by a very special Vietnam veteran, one of our own former tutors. Mr. Stefanowicz (“Mr. S,” as students call him) has been working in the Newington Public School District for fifteen years, and recently retired at the end of last school year. Many of us have seen his presentation several times, although that does not make it any easier to hear about. He was gracious enough to share his experiences with our students, impacting their lives’ by teaching us the importance of honoring veterans.

          In his time in Vietnam, Mr. S calculated data for the precise targets of weapons. The conditions were horrifying. Twelve hour shifts had been assigned, with Mr. S’s being from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. He described the dirty conditions, the pungent smell of agent orange, the constant need to be on alert even while he was sleeping. Stationed at Landing Zone (LZ) Buttons, he recalled an evening when his entire unit became surrounded. Instead of having to calculate data for far distances, Mr. S had to quickly figure out how to calculate data to fire the howitzers at close range. This was something that hadn't been done before.  Because of something he remembered from math class, Mr.S was able to calculate the specific data needed. As a result, many men in his unit had been saved, and if he had not been paying attention that day in math class, he stressed, his blood brothers could have died.

          These displays of bravery and commitment have earned Mr.Stefanowicz his Bronze Star, which is the fourth highest military honor. As a takeaway, he would like us to understand the importance of thanking our veterans. Although we will never understand the tragedy that many veterans describe as hell, Mr. Stefanowicz assures us that every “thank you” is valuable and holds great meaning. With the holiday season approaching, we ask that you take every chance to thank the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.