Chefornak Veteran's Day Event

Chefornak Veteran's Day Event
Posted on 12/09/2022
Chefornak Veterans

This year on Veterans Day, Chefornak held a special celebration. Hosted by Faye Hobson and the Chefornak Reading & Writing Club, the ceremony was dedicated to the Veterans in Chefornak and beyond.


Mrs. Hobson, Chefornak Reading and Writing Club Sponsor, is an Army Brat and Army Wife who has a special place in her heart for all veterans. She is new to Chefornak, and knew she would be in the village on Veterans Day. Upon her arrival to Alaska in August, she began asking community members if they were, or knew of, any veterans.


Mrs. Hobson lived in a house far from the school and as she traveled through the village on a daily basis, she would often stop to chat with villagers. Through various conversations, she learned 70 veterans once lived in Chefornak and there are currently 53 alive and doing well. These conversations gave her the opportunity to get to know members of the community.


Mrs. Hobson discussed her plans with students, teachers and others throughout the village. Various classes designed posters, post cards and made other gifts for veterans.


Mrs. Hobson and other staff members prepared a delicious home cooked meal for all attendees. The meal included Mrs. Hobson’s homemade Louisiana Gumbo filled with shrimp, chicken and sausage; she also prepared chili bean soup. Chefornak Site Administrator, Dr. Jackie Ashmore (a veteran) prepared rice and green beans. Others prepared salads, fruit trays, cake, rolls, juice, tea and coffee.

Chefornak students honor veterans

The event took place in the school cafeteria, decorated with beautiful art work and signs of appreciation, etc. The program was led by Mrs. Hobson with the assistance of Renz Rendal and Nestor Anggil. Students participated as indicated within the program. Other staff members volunteered to serve the elders. 


Student presents to veteransThe highlight of the program was the reading of an essay written by Shanique Wasili to her grandfather and all other veterans. Her grandfather is James Wasili, a retired military officer and a member of the Chefornak local school board. She received a standing ovation with many wiping away tears, with a smile.


The veterans and family members were so excited to be honored. The celebration ended with three drawings for prizes, two silver coffee mugs and the grand prize of an oversized Thanksgiving turkey.


The Program for the celebration is available here and includes the names of all veterans honored at the celebration. 

 

Chefornak Veterans

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