NAVSUP WSS Sailors Honor Veterans and Inspire Students at Pennsylvania Middle School

“Participating in today’s ceremony put into perspective what it means to serve: the protection and furtherance of our way of life,” Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Theadore Jordan said.

Jordan joined fellow Sailors from Naval Supply Systems Command Weapon Systems Support on Nov. 11 to participate in the school’s Veterans Day ceremony in Warrington, Pennsylvania, as members of the color guard.

Their presence honored those who served while giving students an opportunity to connect with the men and women who wear the uniform today. For Jordan, the experience offered a chance to reflect on the meaning of military service and the influence Sailors can have beyond their daily responsibilities.

“My participation today could be the very thing that sparks a new fire for someone who will go on and one day replace me in service,” Jordan said.

The ceremony also gave Tamanend Middle School an opportunity to teach students about the sacrifices of veterans and their families. Jeff Klein, a school counselor at Tamanend Middle School, said the school’s goal was to help students recognize the importance of Veterans Day and better understand the people who have served their country.

“It is our hope that students learn the importance of our military and realize the sacrifices veterans and their families have made,” Klein said.

Klein emphasized that the Navy color guard brought a sense of formality to the ceremony, helping students connect the meaning of Veterans Day with the service members standing before them. For Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Robert E. Kerr, participating offered a meaningful opportunity to recognize the veterans whose service helped shape the nation.

“Participating in the ceremony was a privilege and an opportunity to honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country,” Kerr said.

Kerr also emphasized that Sailors should build relationships with the public and demonstrate a commitment to service beyond their military duties. Yeoman 2nd Class Michael R. Tolan shared that perspective, emphasizing the Navy’s responsibility to support communities both at home and overseas.

“It’s important to connect to the community to show that we are here to support them,” Tolan said.

Tolan described the ceremony as an opportunity to continue supporting the middle school, honor those who served before today’s Sailors and inspire younger generations. Command Master Chief Dalton Trouth, NAVSUP WSS’s senior enlisted leader, emphasized leading by example and carrying the Navy’s values into the community.

“Our veterans set the example for us, and now it’s our responsibility to set one for the next generation,” Trouth said.

“I’m proud of our Sailors for honoring those who served before us and showing these students that service is about respect, responsibility and taking care of others,” Trouth added.

While NAVSUP WSS personnel support the Navy’s operational readiness through supply and logistics, the Veterans Day ceremony provided an opportunity to strengthen connections with the communities they serve. Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Nash J. Figueroa emphasized that community engagement allows Sailors to build relationships and represent the Navy beyond military installations.

“We are part of something bigger than ourselves,” Figueroa said.