By TR Robertson
Numerous Veteran’s Day Ceremonies were held on Tuesday around San Diego County, as well as the U.S., including a ceremony at Veteran’s Park in Vista, a parade down Harbor Street in downtown San Diego, and the 17th annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Army & Navy Academy in Carlsbad. The Army & Navy Academy and the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad are the primary sponsors of the event, with sponsor donations from San Diego Salute – Formation Flying Team, Ohana Creations, Rayne Water, and Rotary International.
The Veteran’s Day Ceremony took place on John Maffucci Field in the Brigadier General Stephen M. Bliss Stadium. C/MAJ Nicholas Huggins was the cadet announcer, keeping all attending informed about each of the sections of the ceremony. The ceremony began with opening remarks from Mrs. Kelly Schafer, President of the Rotary Club of Carlsbad. Mrs. Schafer welcomed those in attendance, including dignitaries such as San Diego County Supervisor Jim Desmond, California Senator Catherine Blakespear, Carlsbad City Councilmember Melanie Burkholder, and former Carlsbad Mayor Matt Hall. Mrs. Schafer also spoke about the importance of Veterans’ Day. She then introduced the President of the Army & Navy Academy, Mr. Barry Shreiar. Mr. Shreiar spoke about the challenges the Army & Navy present to the young men who attend the school. He said the Academy emphasizes service to family, community, and the nation. He also thanked all of the veterans in attendance at the ceremony and welcomed the audience, including current members of the armed services.
The next portion of the ceremony belonged to the cadets of the Army & Navy Academy, beginning with the March On entrance of the Corps of Cadets. The Corps of Cadets was led onto the field by the Colonel W.C. Atkinson Warrior Band, playing several march songs. A variety of military ceremonies then took place, including the Formation of Corps of Cadets, led by C/CPT Pietro Casciaro, Battalion Adjutant, and the Presentation of Command, led by C/LTC Vincent Sze, Commander of Troops, and LTC Curby Scarborough, Senior Army Instructor. Following this part of the ceremony, the Warrior Band led the Corps of Cadets in front of the stands as they played a Medley of Service Songs. As they played each of the Army, Navy, Marine, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard songs, veteran and current service members would stand, honoring their specific service song. The Warrior Band is led by C/SGM Brendan Teoh, Drum Major, and Mr. Erick Velasco, Bandmaster.
The next part of the Veteran’s Day Ceremony included the Inspection of the Corps of Cadets by Mr. Barry Shreiar, Mr. Jeff Tiso (Chairman of the Board of Trustees), Mrs. Kelly Schafer, SSgt Paul Nixon (USMC (Ret.) And Commandant of Cadets), LTC Curby Scarborough U.S. Army (Ret.) Senior Army Instructor, Col Oliver Cass U.S. Army (Ret.), Mr. George Sullivan U.S. Air Force, Mr. Huenefeld U.S. Marine Corps, Mr. Roy Meenes U.S. Army, LTC Eric Kunak U.S. Army (Ret.) JROTC Instructor, CW$ Manuel Ortiz U.S. Army (Ret.) JROTC Instructor, ISG Jeffery Palacios U.S. Army (Ret.) JROTC Instructor and CSM Derek Clifton U.S. Army (Ret.) JROTC Instructor.
After this was completed an Honors to the Nation portion began with a presentation of the Academy 12-Man Color Guard with cadets dressed in various military uniforms from different branches of the armed services and from different military events. Some of these included uniforms worn in Vietnam, World War II, Korean War and in the Mid-East. As the Warrior Band played the National Anthem, a fly overtook place with planes flown by San Diego Salute – Formation Flying Team. Due to the low cloud cover the planes were only partly visible.
The Featured Speaker for this year’s ceremony was introduced by Mr. Shreiar who read an amazing list of the speakers accomplishments, including the fact that he is a 1981 graduate of Army & Navy Academy. The featured speaker was Mr. Oliver Schlegel Cass (Colonel, U.S. Army Ret.). Mr. Cass served as an Active-Duty U.S. Army officer from 1985 until his retirement in 2013. He served in various leadership positions as well as on the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command staff. He also served in Iraq, Afghanistan working with Special Forces Group operations and sensitive operations. Colonel Cass has been awarded the Legion of Merit, three Bronze Star Medals, numerous Defense and Army Meritorious Service Medals, the United Nations Medal for service in Croatia, the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement, The Department of Defense Human Intelligence Lifetime Achievement Award, The Department of State Superior Honor Award for service in Juba South Sudan during the COVID pandemic and numerous other awards. He currently works with the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency as the Western Region Deputy Director – Mission Support. In his address to those in attendance, especially the cadets of Army & Navy Academy, Mr. Cass reminded them and all members of the military past and present, being in the military means sacrifice. He said anyone who has chosen to join the armed services must understand that sacrifice is part of the service to your country. The Colonel reminded everyone that we enjoy the freedom we have because of the veterans and the active-duty armed services personnel. According to information he has seen, young people today are stepping up to join the service in greater numbers. Colonel Cass also spoke about not only the importance of our WW II veterans, but not forgetting the sacrifices our Vietnam and Korean War veterans have made. They fought in complex, somewhat politically motivated situations and they need to be supported in whatever means possible. He also told the audience that all of the armed services today exist in a complex and challenging world more so than any other time. Colonel Cass left the cadets with a reminder of the following as far as what to remember about their service whether they choose to join the armed services in the future or go into any other endeavor – always show courage – duty – honor – and selfless service in whatever you do.
Following Colonel Cass’s address there was a presentation of a Wreath for Veteran’s Day with Roy Meenes – U.S. Army, Amanda Wirtz – U.S. Navy, George Sullivan – U.S. Air Force and Rick Huenefeld – U.S. Marine Corps representing their armed service branch. This was followed with Taps played on trumpet by a member of the Warrior Band. The San Diego Salute – Formation Flying Team also had a single plane fly over just prior to this. As tradition has it for this occasion all Veterans and Active-Duty personnel were invited to go to the edge of the field to take part in the Pass in Review Ceremony featuring the Corps of Cadets and the Warrior Band.
Following the ceremony Army & Navy Academy and the Rotary Clubs of Carlsbad hosted a Veterans Art Exhibit and Reception in Duffield Gym in collaboration with North Coastal Art Gallery (COAL). Twenty-three artists exhibited a variety of art media in an exhibit called Colors of America. Part of the artists presenting their work also included artists from The Veterans Art Project. In speaking with Cheryl Ehlers, President of the North Coast Art Gallery, she said this is the first time they have joined with Army & Navy Academy to host this exhibit of veteran’s art, and they also included some art pieces from several Army & Navy cadets. Veteran Reginald Green, U.S. Navy, spoke about his involvement with VETART School of Ceramics & Glass and had several pieces in the exhibit. He is also the current Mr. Military 2025, selected in the Mr. & Mrs. Military Showcase in Oceanside in November 2024.
Lots of Veteran’s Day events took place around the nation honoring those that have served. If you haven’t seen the ceremony at Carlsbad’s Army & Navy Academy, make time next year to honor veterans by attending their tribute to veterans.
Take time to check these web sites:
www.va.gov
www.armyandnavyacademy.org
www.northcoastalartgallery.com
www.vetart.org
www.carlsbadrotary.com
