Tehachapi News

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“I don't cry, but I almost cried today,” remarked Cary Johnson, Principal of Tehachapi High School.  He was referring to the mixed feelings of listening to the stories of veterans who were guest speakers at a special assembly and the respectful, often emotional response of the students.

Organized by Vice-Principal Paul Press, the Civil Air Patrol color guard consisting of Cadet CMSgt. Rusty McCullough and Cadet AB Ivy Reddinger, both students at THS, led an entourage across the campus and into the gymnasium. They were followed by approximately 20 veterans, the marching band, the show choir, and finally the student body.

Following short presentations by U.S. Coast Guard Career Counselor   Dale Hawkins and Robert Hoffman, U.S. Air Force Chief (Ret)., the students were shown a slide show featuring various pictures of veterans and memorials along with patriotic music.

When the song “God Bless the U.S.A.” began to play, the students began cheering and joined in the singing.

But it was the the last speaker, U.S. Marine Lt. Col. (Ret.) Larry Thompson, a Purple Heart recipient and husband of Vice-Principal Bev Thompson, who captured the moment. Dressed impeccably in his former uniform, he recounted his days as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War; Of having been shot down twice; Of getting out of the chopper the second time with most of his men; Of seeing a hand in the window before the chopper burst into flames…The gymnasium was absolutely silent as the speaker paused, choked up and unable to continue. Lt. Col. Thompson then concluded his presentation with a plea to respect our flag and veterans by indeed placing hand over heart during the pledge of allegiance and national anthem. As he stepped away from the lectern, the students exploded to their feet with thunderous clapping and cheering.

“It was fabulous,” said a teary-eyed Gracie Wolcott, a junior at THS, after the students were dismissed. 

Many students approached the veterans seated in the center of the gym to thank them for their service.  Included among the veterans was school superintendent Dr. Richard Swanson who served in the U.S. Army Reserve. Several students just shook the hands of the veterans.

“I think I've died and gone to heaven,” observed Vice Principal Press. “This is my first year at THS, and these are the best kids I've ever seen.”


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