Middletown High School Honors Veterans Within Its School Community

At Middletown High School’s Veterans Day assembly, 11th and 12th grade students had the opportunity to learn about a chapter of life they may not have known about the people they see every day: their military service.

Led by MHS social studies teacher David Babb, the assembly recognized five staff veterans and one community veteran, connecting lessons about American history with the experiences of people within the school community.

The MHS orchestra, led by director Corey Hall, performed the national anthem, and Babb shared the history and significance of Veterans Day. His remarks encouraged students to recognize the people behind the uniforms, the responsibilities they carried and the sacrifices made by their families.

“Military service is not simply something found in history books,” Babb shared. “It is part of the lives of people we encounter every day.”

The assembly honored the following veterans:

Aziel Cordero, an MHS ESL teacher, served in the United States Navy from 2012 to 2016. As a Master-at-Arms and petty officer third class, her responsibilities included law enforcement, physical security, anti-terrorism and force protection. Cordero shared that her military experience helped her discover confidence in her character and abilities while showing her the strength of a team working toward a shared mission.

Kali Jones, MHS head football coach, served in the United States Marine Corps. The assembly recognized his service to the country and his continued leadership of students through athletics.

Steve Saucer, an MHS paraprofessional and head girls wrestling coach, served in the United States Marine Corps from 1997 to 2001, achieving the rank of lance corporal. He reflected on how discipline, accountability and commitment continue to guide his life and work.

“The Marines taught me that leadership is about setting the example, serving others, and understanding that we’re stronger together,” Saucer shared.

Brian Tarbox, a Butler Tech Management Principles teacher at MHS, served in the United States Air Force. He was recognized for his military service and the contributions he continues to make through education.

Larry Tolbert, an MHS paraprofessional, served in the United States Army from 1972 to 1975, achieving the rank of corporal. His work as a switchboard operator and field wireman included constructing, operating and maintaining field telephone and telegraph networks.

Walter Wakefield, a community member and father of MHS’s Chef Steph, served in the United States Army for 22 years, achieving the rank of lieutenant colonel. His service included Vietnam and Operation Desert Storm. As a DUSTOFF helicopter pilot in Vietnam, he helped evacuate wounded service members for medical care. His military honors include the Bronze Star and Legion of Merit.

United States Army Staff Sergeant Vincent DeRuiter joined the assembly to present certificates of recognition to the six honorees.

Thank you to David Babb for leading this opportunity for students to listen, learn and recognize the veterans within their school community; to director Corey Hall and the MHS orchestra for sharing their talents; and to Staff Sergeant DeRuiter for helping honor our guests.

Most of all, thank you to our veterans for their service to our country and the many ways they continue to serve others.