VFW Scholarship Recipients Admire Veterans

By Kendra Bobowick

“Everyone wrote a good essay,” said Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 308 Commander Dan Kearns. “These are the four winners …” who received a scholarship from the VFW and certificates during a brief ceremony at the post last week.

As Mr Kearns, Senior Vice Commander James Rebman, First Selectman Pat Llodra, and family members and friends listened, award recipients read their words about what a veteran means to them.

With his essay in his hands, James Patrick Rebman said, “A veteran means pride and courage and carrying the weight of a nation on their shoulders …” If he were to “follow in [father James Rebman’s] footsteps, I would fight for what I believed in.” He said, “Our nation never would have been created” without “fighting for what is right.” Veterans are the men and women who “should always be remembered,” he said.

Stepping to the center of the small gathering at the VFW post last week was Shannon Panasiuk. Naming several veterans in her family, she said, “I recognize their qualities … I still have a chance to absorb wisdom form the silent story in their eyes.” She is upset that homeless veterans live in a country of “selfish individuals,” where they receive poor health care, or have become disabled due to their service. “Veterans are the epitome of bravery, integrity, and hope,” and we should learn from their wisdom.

Offering her thoughts next was Nanci Wallenta. She had heard her fathers’ stories of war. “I was wild-eyed thinking that dad was the greatest man alive.” He brother was also “sent overseas and I was sad to know he was lonely without us.” Her son “has his heart set on the [United States Marine Corps].” She said, “Veterans are warriors standing proud and tall for the country they love.”

As she studies to be an RN, she hopes to have “better skills and abilities to help our veterans.”

Reading his daughter Caseyrose’s essay was Commander Kearns: “Veterans are many things, they are role models, and ready to sacrifice at the snap of a finger.” He read, “They miss the small things like their own bed or milestones in the family’s life. Their sacrifices allow us to live happy lives.” She is thankful for “all they give up.” She will go to college and ‘be whatever it is that I want,’ thanks to their sacrifices. They put fear aside and fight for freedom.” She wrote, “Veterans give up personal freedom so people like me can flourish.”

As each recipient finished reading, Mrs Llodra spoke to them quietly and offered her congratulations.