2021 Veterans Day Q&As

Name: Debbie Friedli Branch of Military: Army High School: Various, due to moving What were the parameters of your service? “I went into the army in 1975, after college. I went to the University of Maryland in Munich, Germany for two years after high school and then transferred to University of Maryland, College Park, and upon graduation, I wanted to go into the military because my family is...

Name: Steve Labenz Occupation: U.S. History teacher Why is Veterans Day important? “I think it's important for us to, at a minimum, [take] one day to remember people who have fought for this country. Memorial Day is [when] we remember those people who have died, but this is a day to honor those people who are still with us. There’s a lot of people out there that are just kind of walking a...

Name: Jason Riebel Branch of Military: Air Force High School: Forest Hills Central  What were the parameters of your service? “I was in the Air Force from 2001 through 2007. I was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force base in South Dakota from 2001 to 2004, then I was in Pope Air Force base from 2004 to 2007. I did two assignments in Afghanistan—one at each station. The first time when I w...

Name: Joshua Sweeney Branch of Military: Army High School: Forest Hills Central What were the parameters of your service? “I am currently serving. I’ve been in the United States Army since 2018. [I'm] stationed at Joint Base Lewis McChord in Tacoma, WA. I have deployed in support of an operation enduring freedom (Afghanistan) and inherent resolve (Iraq).”  Do you have any positi...

Name: Mel Bauman Branch of Military: Army High School: Ottawa Hills What were the parameters of your service? “Well, I was drafted in 1965, which is a long time ago, and I retired in 2005; so I did 40 years. I did two years of active duty, then I was released from active duty, and I immediately went in the army reserve, and I stayed in the reserve for another 38 years.” Do you h...