Veterans Day keynote speaker Tom Voutsos and panelists David Oravecz ’86 and Hank Wetzel Sr., all U.S. Marine veterans, shared their experiences and reflections on faith, service, and sacrifice during Central Catholic’s Veterans Day assembly.
TOLEDO, OH - Central Catholic commemorated Veterans Day with a special assembly in Krompak Hall. The event was designed to educate students about what it means to be a military veteran and to honor and thank those who have served our country.
Senior Reese Stricker began the assembly by singing the national anthem. CCHS then honored veterans within the Central Catholic family, including relatives of students and members of our faculty, staff, and alumni, with a special slide show and a dog tag wall. Students and staff were invited to stand if they had a family member who is currently serving or has served in the military. A majority of those present stood, demonstrating the impact that our service members have on their own families and our community.
Keynote speaker, Tom Voutsos, shared his experience as a Captain in the US Marines from 2014 to 2018 and his deployment to Eastern Europe. He recognized the sacrifices that military families make for those who serve, and he encouraged students to take the values they learn at Central Catholic into their futures, whatever paths they may choose. Mr. Voutsos is the husband of Annie (McCarthy) Voutsos ’09, who works as Central Catholic's Advancement Operations Manager.
Panelists David Oravecz ’86 and Hank Wetzel Sr. answered questions about their experiences, the lessons they learned from their service, and how they relied on their faith during their service. Mr. Oravecz served from 1986 to 2006 as a US Marine, followed by 11 years working for the Department of Defense. He now serves as director of the Lucas County Veterans Service Commission.
Mr. Wetzel was a US Marine Corporal who served in the Vietnam War from 1968 to 1970. He was a Marine from 1967 to 1972, serving on a naval ship primarily in Greece and Sicily when not at war. He is the father of Hank Wetzel Jr., one of Central Catholic’s social studies teachers.
Adding a special connection to the discussion, four of our seniors who have enlisted in the military had the opportunity to ask the panelists questions about their service and experiences. The CCHS enlisted students are:
· Graham Brinkman - Marines
· Jesus Martinez - Navy
· Michael Norris - Navy
· Brendan Zapadka - Marines
The assembly also included a table with an empty chair honoring prisoners of war and those missing in action. Mr. Oravecz explained the symbolism behind the colors and items arranged on the table, helping students better understand this meaningful tribute.
The assembly concluded with a guest bugler playing Taps, followed by a moment of silence in honor of all those who have served and sacrificed for our country.
