Twenty-five Vincent High School JROTC cadets recently visited the Colonel Robert L. Howard State Veterans Home in Pell City.  While there, they interviewed the veteran residents, listened to war stories and had one-on-one talks with the veterans.

One student interviewed a Marine veteran who told about helping to raise the flag on Mt. Suribachi, Iwo Jima. Two of the students interviewed a Navy veteran who was serving as a sailor on the USS Arizona on the morning of December 7, 1941.  Another student interviewed an Army paratrooper who made two combat jumps in Europe during World War II.

Two students interviewed an Army veteran who was a POW in Germany during World War II..  The veteran showed them his map of all the POW camps in Germany, and described in detail the route that he traveled on foot as they were marched from camp to camp across Germany and into Czechoslovakia, ending up near Prague when Germany finally surrendered.

“Other cadets heard stories of service that were equally fascinating,” said Major Stanley Murrell. “Cadets learned the value of their freedom and were appreciative of their service.  It was a memorable and touching trip and JROTC is looking forward to going back again.”