Neuqua vows to take care of its own

Whether they're serving overseas, retired from years of service or deceased, Neuqua Valley High School students and officials reminded the community Wednesday to "take care of our own" veterans.

The Neuqua Valley community paid tribute to all military veterans with its "Celebration of our Nation's Heroes" honors ceremony.

Army Ranger Mike Goodale, whose 75th Ranger Regiment was the basis of Ridley Scott's 2001 movie "Black Hawk Down" was the guest speaker but said he felt as if he were "preaching to the choir" about taking care of veterans since the school already was hosting the event.

"You get it. You understand a little bit more about soldiers but you need to go out and spread the gospel, so to speak, to those who don't get soldiers," he said. "One of the best ways to take care of a soldier is to understand a little bit more about him. The more you understand about them, the more comfortable they're going to be opening up to you about things that they've seen that maybe aren't necessarily nice."

Deborah Rickert, President of Operation Support our Troops Illinois, told of how her organization is "taking care of their own" by sending more than 200 tons of nonperishable items and supplies to troops in harm's way. Rickert started the organization as way to honor two of her sons who are serving in the Army.

"As Veterans Day nears, I would encourage all of you to not only thank a vet but do something tangible to make their lives better. That's how to take care of our own."

Representatives from Honor Flight Chicago and the Patriot Guard motorcycle club also spoke briefly about how their organizations are helping make life better for America's veterans.

Neuqua Valley String Quartet, Chamber Choir Singers, and student choral members performed several musical selections throughout the event.

To pay tribute to those who died in battle, several guests also placed red poppies on a wreath one by one.