A familiar soldier to many recent veterans will speak at Wadena-Deer Creek High School's Veterans Day program Nov. 12.
Major Mike Pazdernik, who was in command of the 1st Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment based in Wadena, will talk to high school students as well as veterans at the ceremony at 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 12, in the high school gym.
Pazdernik served in the active duty Army from 1996-2001, then went to work with the Minnesota National Guard in 2001. Today, he's the Officer in Charge for the 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 194th Armor Regiment, headquartered in Brainerd. He's a native of Alexandria, and lives now in Baxter.
Mike Ortmann, who organized the second annual veterans day event at the high school, said Pazdernik is a dynamic speaker who will keep the crowd's attention. Also, special considerations will be made so every veteran can attend.
"We will have special seating for our veterans so they don't have to climb into the bleachers," Ortmann said.
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The program will begin with a presentation of colors by the Wadena VFW, American Legion and National Guard members. The WDC high school choirs will sing the national anthem and an armed forces salute, and the band will play "Taps." Speakers other than Pazdernik will be Wadena Legion boys and girls winnners Mason Lynk and Jackie Kramer, and Voice of Democracy contestants Brittany Umland and Cassandra Popp.
Ortmann said a breakfast will also be served for veterans.
"The veterans and their families are invited for breakfast served by our student council members," he said.
That will take place from 8:30-9:45 a.m. in the high school commons area.
Wadena-Deer Creek Elementary and St. Ann's School also plan Veterans Day programs on Nov. 12.
St. Ann's Principal Eileen Weber said the annual Veterans Day lunch and program will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to invite veterans they know to lunch that day. The Knights of Columbus will cover the cost of the lunch, Weber said.
And elementary teacher Amy Mehl said WDC Elementary will have a program at 1:30 p.m. at the elementary school.
