by Geoff Fox
For over 30 years, Hancock Middle-Senior High School has honored local veterans with their annual Veterans Day ceremony at 11 a.m. last Tuesday, November 11, in the school’s auditorium.
Folks entered the auditorium about 10 minutes before the ceremony with a number of local veterans taking their seats. Students filed in shortly after.
The ceremony began with Matthew Creek, Sr., and Army veteran, bringing the American flag to the front of the auditorium followed by a video presentation of “Stop When You See a Uniform” by Buddy Brown.
Principal Jennifer Ruppenthal welcomed everyone to the ceremony.
In her remarks, Ruppenthal talked about those who are serving and served in the Armed Forces, about their journey and abut how the sacrifices they’ve made.
Ruppenthal also told about her uncle, Sgt. Otto Philip Barnhart, who was one of 17 Washington County residents killed during the Vietnam War.
“On this Veterans Day, we not only reflect on what veterans have done for our nation, but also remind ourselves of what we can do for them,” she said.
Ruppenthal said people could support them by advocating for the veterans and showing gratitude for their unwavering service.
She also thanked the veterans for their service and how eternal grateful we are for what they have done and continue to do.
Ruppenthal turned the microphone over to SGA Advisor Tina Lourdon who led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance and introduced the Hancock Panthers band who played the National Anthem, chiming of the bells for the fallen soldiers, and Taps.
After the band finished, Lourdon said by setting aside the time for the annual ceremony, it allows students and staff to thank their families and members of the community who have served, currently who are serving, and those veterans who have passed.
photos by Geoff Fox
Brooklyn McCusker then recited It is a Soldier and from there, Shannon McKinley sang Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
Ashley McCusker, member of the Washington County Board of Education, shared some remarks and made an announcement for the next school year.
McCusker said she was proud to announce Hancock Middle-Senior High School would be home an Army JROTC program.
The program begins at the school with the 2026-2027 school year.
Army JROTC program is a high school elective and not a military recruitment tool. Instead, it’s a character and leadership development program where students learn about civics, history, communication, and first aid, all while participating in team-building activities and community service.
“This program will provide our students with valuable leadership training, opportunities for personal growth, and a deeper understanding of service and citizenship,” she said.
It will also honor the legacy of veterans by inspiring students to lead with integrity, discipline, and purpose, McCusker added.
She ended by telling veterans how thankful people are for their service and honor the values they protected.
The band played the “Marches of the Armed Forces” with veterans of each branch of the military standing to be recognized.
There were two veterans each from the Army and Air Force and one Navy veteran in attendance who stood and received a round of applause.
The keynote speak was Hancock High School Alumni Randy Golden who served in the U.S. Air Force.
From 1988 to 1996, Golden served as an F15 Fighter Jet mechanic, supporting missions in the United States and overseas in South Korea. Golden is now a supervisor at JLG Industries.
Golden said it was an honor to be standing on the stage honoring veterans in the same auditorium where he once sat doing the same.
“Veterans Day is just not another day on the calendar. It’s a reminder of men and women who have worn the uniform and the values the uniform represents,” Golden said after thanking the staff and students for honoring the veterans.
The day, he said, is about commitment, courage, and sacrifice, but above all it’s about service.
When he graduated from Hancock, Golden said he hadn’t figured anything out yet and like many young people, he was looking for direction and purpose.
He knew he wanted to be part of something meaningful, something that would challenge him, and push him to grow.
“That’s what led me join the United States Air Force,” he said.
Golden began his career in the Air Force working on RF-4C reconnaissance aircraft while stationed in South Korea, which were the eyes in the skies being used for surveillance and intelligence missions.
“Working on them was both demanding and rewarding,” he said.
Golden was far from home, often working long hours, in challenging conditions, but there was a sense of pride knowing the work directly supported the mission.
He added living in South Korea was an experience he won’t forget with a different culture, unfamiliar language, and winters that could get pretty cold.
But the camaraderie among the people he served with made it all worth it, Golden said.
It also taught him how to appreciate being home in a new way by realizing how fortunate Americans are living in a nation built on freedom, opportunity, and community.
Golden also served in Florida working on F15 Strike Eagles, one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world.
The responsibility of working on the planes taught Golden lessons in discipline, attention to detail, and teamwork that stayed with him his whole life.
During his time serving in the Air Force, it taught Golden the military isn’t just about strength, it’s about people, the bonds you build, challenges you overcome together, and the pride you feel knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
“Whether you were a pilot, a mechanic, a cook, or a clerk, everyone had a role to play and every role mattered,” he said.
When he left the Air Force in 1996, Golden said he carried those lessons with him and with the training and technical skills he learned, he was able to obtain his airframe and power plant license through the Federal Aviation Administration.
“The transition wasn’t always easy, but it reminded me the same dedication and work ethic that got me through my military service could help me succeed in a civilian life as well,” Golden said.
Golden also reflected on what Veterans Day truly means.
He said it’s not just about recognizing those who served; it’s about why they served.
“Each veteran has his own story, their own journey, their own reason for raising their right hand and saying ‘I will serve,’” Golden said.
Some wanted to see the world, some wanted to challenge themselves, some wanted to protect the freedoms we all enjoy, “but no matter the reason, we all shared the same promise to serve our country with honor,” he said.
Golden told the students that service comes in many forms, which don’t always come with wearing the uniform.
He said they could help their neighbors, volunteer in the community, be kind to someone who is struggling, or simply standing up fro what is right.
“Every act of service, no matter how small, strengthens the foundation of this nation,” he said.
As they move forward in their lives, Golden encouraged the students to look for ways to contribute by finding something that pushes them or challenges them, and allows them to grow.
“Whatever it is, give it your best effort,” he said. “When you give your best to something greater than yourself, you help carry on the legacy that veterans before you worked so hard to protect.”
