Recruits honored at Boot Camp Farewell
(Photo courtesy JOE KREN) Local veterans and new recruits were honored at a special Boot Camp Farewell celebration recently. Pictured, from left in the front row, are veterans David Cooper, Bruce Taylor, Todd Sudick and Rusty Pavey. Pictured, from left in the back row, are new recruits Caleb Womack, Michael Jones, Gavin Rogers, Colby Poe and Arron Reyes.
Pictured in the front row is Caleb Womack. Pictured in the middle row, from left, are Michael Jones and Arron Reyes. Pictured in the back row, from left, are Gavin Rogers and Kolby Poe. (Photo courtesy JOE KREN)
This year, eight Priest River Lamanna High School graduates will be leaving for the military following their graduation on Saturday, June 2.
These students, their parents and friends were treated to pizza, salad and the house specialty, caramel bread pudding at the Ranch Club on Sunday, May 26.
The new recruits were honored for their commitment to their country, their patriotism and their courage. The inductees received words of wisdom and humor from several “seasoned” veterans who came to honor their patriotism and commitment. The vets also reminded the recruits that boot camp is where they learn to be soldiers and take orders and not to take it personally. PRLHS Principal Joe Kren and his wife, Mary, were present in support of the new recruits.
The new recruits are joining three branches of the military. Joining the Air Force are Noah Martinez and Maria Strickland Cruz. Joining the Navy is Caleb Gleason. Joining the Marines are Michael Jones, Colby Poe, Arron Reyes, Gavin Rogers and Caleb Womack.
While this was the first “Boot Camp Farewell,” supporters and organizers agreed it should be an annual event.
Those who contributed to the Boot Camp Farewell event to ensure the recruits were treated to a big send off included Patty and Jeff Weimer, Angela and Rusty Pavey, Patricia and Todd Sudick, American Legion Auxiliary Unit No. 155, Brent Frerichs, Ted Moss, American Legion Post No. 155, Ali and Ed Lawrence, a veteran who wished to remain anonymous, and Bruce Taylor. Creating a banner for the event was the PRLHS art class.