HiLIFE November/December 2010- Issue 3 Volume 87 2305 East Main, League City,TX 77573
In this issue: Veterans honored by Creek staff Stephanie Johnson
Harry Potter hits the big screen
Basketball starts new season
Taylor Swift produces new album
Football team makes history
President Wilson proclaimed November 11 the first commemoration of Armistice Day in 1919. “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations,” President Wilson said. Armistice Day is a day set aside to celebrate the veterans of World War I, named after the armistice that took place on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918. However, in 1954, after World War II, the 83rd Congress inserted “Veterans” in the place of “Armistice.” With the Legislature’s approval on June 1 of that year, November 11 became a day of celebrating American veterans from every war. And so began a history of nationally honoring all of America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and to sacrifice for the common good. Clear Creek High School held its own ceremony on Thursday, November 11, to thank those who have served and are associated with the school. Scott Bockart opened the ceremony by welcoming and acknowledging the guests. The ROTC Color Guard provided the Presentation of
Colors, and Jeff Cherry said the Pledge of Allegiance. A video dedication to the veterans and the Clear Creek High School family was shown by Elizabeth Radicioni, and Student Council Representative, Stephanie Reyna, a talented public speaker, presented crystals to the CCHS veterans. Lt. Colonel Wendell Harris then introduced Major General Bailey, who provided the Veterans Day Address. James Coffey and Kyle Pullen followed with a beautiful rendition of God Bless America. Of the many veterans honored at the Clear Creek High School Veterans Day Ceremony, Luis Garza Jr., Wendell Harris, Mark Sepulveda, Duane Sheets, and Ronald Wells received special recognition for their services. Luis Garza Jr. was in the army for four years. He reached the rank of E-4 specialist as a combat medic and has served in Germany, the United States, and the Middle East. While in Europe, Garza was part of a Ready Unit that would prepare everyday for war against Russia and other communist nations in Europe at that time. He studied every aspect of Russian weaponry and military vehicles and helicopters; the way they look, sounds they make, how they work, and the accuracy of the weapons. After his service was up, Garza worked for KBR to support fellow troops in Baghdad, and in Iraq as a MWR Supervisor. Wendell Harris served for 20 years in the United States Army, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Harris
was deployed to both Haiti and Egypt, and now currently teaches in Clear Creek’s Military Science Program. Marc Sepulveda served 25 years in the United States Army, reaching the rank of Sergeant First Class. Sepulveda was sent over seas three times and is a veteran of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He served one hardship tour of duty in the Republic of South Korea and two tours of duty in Germany, and now currently teaches in Clear Creek’s Military Science Program. Duane Sheets served for eight years in Special Forces of the United States Air Force, 101st Air Commandoes. Sheets is a Vietnam veteran who was just one of five who returned from his 250 men deployment. He made 17 combat jumps out of C-47s, his highest an astonishing 9,000 feet. Sheets was shot three times during his service and has rescued eight downed pilots in Hanoi. Throughout his service he was stationed in England, Germany, Amsterdam, Scotland, France, Japan, and Austria. He flew on “Puff the Magic Dragon,” which was the first aerial gunship developed for combat support. Ronald Wells was an Operation Specialist-5 in the United States Navy. His three years of service included a 12-month stay in Cam Rohn Bay in Vietnam. Creek is proud of all their veterans and family of veterans and not only recognizes them for their service to students but to the country as a whole.