GENEVA – Dave Dorsey of Geneva seemed to sum up what other military veterans and active duty military members were likely feeling Friday, Feb. 13, at Geneva High School.
“It’s good to be appreciated,” he said.
He was touched by the first-ever Military and Veterans Appreciation Night, which the high school held in partnership with the Blue Star Mothers (OH-57 Chapter).
In the gym, the inaugural event took place during JV and Varsity games between the Geneva Eagles Boys Basketball Team and the Berkshire Badgers. Active-duty military and veterans received free admission to the games.
Fans also could get free admission by donating one of the “Stay Alive 5” items (winter hats, gloves, boots, coats, or sleeping bags) to Sub Zero Mission, an organization that helps homeless veterans in Northeast Ohio keep warm in winter. At the event, items that were brought in by attendees were placed in a large bin to be later given to Sub Zero Mission.
In addition, proceeds from the purchase of Geneva High School Military Appreciation shirts for $10 also benefited Sub Zero Mission.
District Athletic Director Jennifer Crossley said the first-ever Military and Veterans Appreciation Night was “a wonderful success.”
“We’re really excited about our first, hopefully annual, Military and Veterans Appreciation Night,” she commented.
She said the donations for Sub Zero Mission were outstanding, with a lot of items coming in.
Jerry Windler of Kingsville, another veteran who attended the evening, was impressed.
“I think it’s a great idea,” he said.
U.S. Air Force E6 Technical Sergeant Thaddeus Tyson, an Air Force recruiter, was also sitting in the stands.
“It’s good,” he said of the event. “It brings awareness of the military to Northeast Ohio.”
Geneva High School Principal Michael King said the Military and Veterans Appreciation Night was something that the high school had wanted to do for a while.
“If it wasn’t for the veterans and the military, we wouldn’t be able to do what we’re doing,” he said.
He noted that the event was in line with the high school’s designation as a Purple Star School by the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce.
According to the department, Purple Star schools “show a significant commitment to serving students and families connected to our nation’s armed forces.”
District Superintendent Dr. Paul Lombardo liked how the event turned out.
“I think it’s inspiring,” he said.
Lisa Delaney-Melaragno, with the Blue Star Mothers, thought the Military and Veterans Appreciation Night was a wonderful event.
“It’s bringing together several important groups and getting the word out about them,” she said.
She thought it was important for everyone to recognize and thank veterans and acknowledge their service and what it has made possible.
Several students were proud to help out at the event.
“It’s brings a great sense of unison to our community,” Jovan Sanchez said.
“I think it’s great,” Sarah Cybulski said. “I think it supports a really nice cause.”
VFW Post 6846 in Geneva presented the colors at the event.
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