On Friday, Nov. 7, Jonas Fishburn, a veteran and history teacher at Tracy High School, shared an impactful Veterans Day presentation for students and teachers alike on campus.
Veterans Day is celebrated annually on Nov. 11 to honor anyone who served in any branch of the Armed Forces, paid the price to serve their country and have lived through to tell the tale.
Fishburn started his presentation by explaining his family history in the military and how he was inspired to carry on the legacy.
“It felt like my duty and I needed money for college too,” Fishburn expressed, “The difference is, my grandpas were drafted to serve; they didn’t volunteer.”
In his presentation, Fishburn reviewed his experience while commanding a unit during the Iraq War, from 2003-2004. Fishburn shared pictures to display how the conditions were unpleasant in many aspects, regarding food, miserable hygiene, extremely hot weather, the tents they slept in and more.
Special Education teacher at Tracy High, Aimee Gates, appreciates Fishburn’s effective presentation of the realities of being in the military.
“showing us how hot it is, to understanding that they’re showering once a week. Then, of course, the direct impact of loss of life that he experienced, and how horrific that was,” Gates acknowledged.
Despite the setbacks, being able to honor and celebrate years later develops connections like no other. Fishburn described how he still runs into past soldiers to this day. Connections are everywhere; many Tracy High staff members and past students have also served.
A history teacher at Tracy High, Darin Haydock, believes the presentation was significant for students to hear.
“Under 1% of the American population serves and are carrying the weight for the entire population. It makes people more thankful when they think about those terms,” Haydock expressed.
