This past Veteran’s Day, the school held its annual assembly to honor those who served. Senior Sydney Gifford sang the National Anthem, while the Jazz Band and Orchestra performed patriotic songs. AFJROTC cadets did a presentation of colors and Cadet Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Lambert read the names of Veterans who work at Socastee and thanked them for their service.

“Veteran’s Day is a good time to remember that our freedom is not guaranteed,” Eddie said. “It is protected by hard-working veterans like you who secure our way of life.”

A few Veterans who work at the school shared their thoughts about the day and their experience in the military with The Native Voice:

Business Teacher Mr. Hampton Campbell

Branch: Marines

Rank: Lt. Corporal

Years served: 1992-1996

Q: How did you enter the military? 

A: I was enlisted into the military.

Q.Would you recommend the military to today’s youth?

A: Yes. If they are not going off to college or tech school, and they need something to do with their life, I would recommend joining the military to learn some life lessons so you also

Q. What do you want people to know about the importance of Veteran’s Day? 

A: Make sure we pause for a moment that day to give thanks to those who served our country and gave us the freedoms we enjoy that day.

Q. Do you have anything to add about your military experience?

A: I enjoyed the sense of brotherhood I was able to form with the others as I served, and I miss this brotherhood. You are unable to replace this. They don’t say “a good few men” for no reason.

Math Teacher Mr. Robert Macleod

Branch: Coast Guard

Rank:  Captain

Years served: 1986-2013

Q: How did you enter the military? 

A: I went to the Coast Guard Academy to serve my country and the free tuition was a nice perk.

Q.Would you recommend the military to today’s youth?

A: You get the wealth of the experience and its training and also training for other jobs for a career after the military. If you are at all interested, you should definitely join. It will prepare you for a great future and career.

Q. What do you want people to know about the importance of veteran day? 

A: Veterans appreciate that people are thankful that they gave up part of their life to ensure the country remains free. Thank a veteran that day.

Spanish Teacher Mr. Memo Suarez

 Branch: National Guard 

 Rank: Specialist Five 

Years served: 1979-1985

Q: How did you enter the military? 

A: I chose to join for the simple reason of serving our country. 

Q.Would you recommend the military to today’s youth?

A: I highly recommend it to today’s youth and I believe that every young person, male or female, should go for at least two years as a mandatory requirement or be drafted.

Q. What do you want people to know about the importance of Veterans Day? 

A: I want them to learn to appreciate this country and to have more respect and honor for our flag. And to remember all of those who sacrificed themselves for our country. That is what veterans day is all about.

Q: Do you have any stories from your experience in the military?

A: I was born and raised in Mexico. While I was working on textiles management [after coming to the U.S.], I was heavily recruited by one of my coworkers who was a sergeant in the U.S military. He encouraged me to enlist, and I did. I did not think I was going to make it or be accepted because of my citizenship, but I was able to enlist and serve. Right after I served, I became a U.S. citizen. I am proud to be a true Mexican-American. I love my Mexican heritage and I love this country.