Wells Middle School Honored Veterans Day

Wells Middle School community came together to honor and learn from eight veterans with connections to Brewster who shared their stories of service—from the Vietnam War to the present day: Steve Elliot, James Bellucci, Jack Duncan, John Gregory, Jess McCann, Harry Sherblom, Rob Rottkamp and Joseph Becker. Sixth graders gathered in the auditorium, while seventh and eighth graders joined via livestream to listen, learn, and ask thoughtful questions.

Our veterans represented every branch of the U.S. military and a wide range of experiences as soldiers who were also engineers, mechanics, intelligence officers, deep-sea divers, and wiremen. They spoke about the challenges of basic training, life overseas, and the personal reasons that led them to serve.

Students asked questions like “What was basic training like?” “What countries have you visited?” “What advice would you give someone thinking of joining the military?” Veterans shared stories of travel to places such as Japan, Germany, Somalia, Kuwait, and Namibia, as well as moments of teamwork, perseverance, and pride.

"I was in the service for 22 years and visited 22 countries. I got to see the world," said." John Gregory who works for BCSD, “Namibia was the farthest away. We drove into the Savannah and saw lions and elephants. There was no GPS back then."

To the question: What advice would you give to a kid about joining the military, all the veterans recommended the military as an option.

Jack Duncan, who fought in the Vietnam War advised that students do research, talk to adults, ask questions, make sure you know the commitment before you sign up."

Jess McCann who is the K-12 Counseling and SEL Specialist for the district--she joined the Army to do intelligence after September 11--her father was a firefighter in New York City at the time, said, "I never imagined going into the military. It was one of the best times of my life.It makes you believe in yourself, it tests you, it's wonderful to work together with a group towards a common goal. Life isn't always a straight line."

It was a meaningful moment for Wells students and for the veterans.

James Bellucci, reflected afterwards, “I get a little emotional, in a good way, speaking about my experience. When I was in the military, I was counting down the days to get out, but when I look back, it was such an important experience.”

James' son, Michael Bellucci, is a social studies teacher at Wells and one of the organizers of the event said, "the assembly is important for the Brewster community for the students so they can see and appreciate the sacrifices people have given in the past and those that people continue to make every day.  It also gives the veterans an opportunity to share their wisdom with students in the community that they live, served and continue to serve."

From stories of service to words of wisdom, the assembly reminded everyone that courage, dedication, and unity are values that transcend generations. Thank you to all who have served—and to our Wells students for their respect, curiosity, and gratitude.