Alumni Veterans Return to Central Catholic for Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, Central Catholic welcomed back several alumni veterans, along with two staff members who are veterans, to speak to students and answer questions about their experiences serving our country.  Members of the Student Senate collected questions from the student body and read them to the panel.

Master Sergeant Lee Marquette and Master Sergeant Brodie Wagener are both members of the Class of 2006, and both played on the 2005 state champion Fighting Irish football team.  Marquette is now the Maintenance Group Unit Development Manager at the 180th Fighter Wing, and Wagener works with the Ohio National Guard NCOIC Precision Guided Munitions.

Mitch Mielcarek from the Class of 2004 was a Navy medic, and he is now a Toledo Police Department Sergeant.

Rev. David Kidd, the CCHS Priest Leader, was a Specialist in the US Army, and Ernie Lamb, a Central Catholic security officer, also served in the US Army.

“It was an honor and a privilege to come back to Central Catholic where it all started for me,” said Marquette.  “My four years at Central Catholic were amazing, and the influence (football) Coach Greg Dempsey has had on my life is immeasurable.”

Wagener said he chose to join the Air National Guard to pay for college.  He wanted to serve his country and get his education.  “When I was asked to come and speak at CCHS today, I didn’t want the students to think it was just propaganda,” Wagener said.  “I owe Central Catholic a great debt for helping me become the person I am today, and I wanted to give back.”

Mielcarek used his experience as a Navy medic in his career with the Toledo Police Department, including during his seven years with the SWAT team.  He encouraged students to make the most of their high school years because they go by so quickly.

Ernie Lamb served in the Army at a time when veterans weren’t appreciated the way they are today.  He shared a powerful story about coming back home, taking off his uniform at the train station, and stuffing it into a garbage can.  He wanted to walk out in civilian clothes so he could avoid the ridicule.

When students asked Fr. Kidd what he would tell someone who is interested in joining the military, but is afraid, he said he was afraid too.  “Fear is overcome by having faith in your training and in the bonds that you build with those you serve alongside,” he explained.  “I knew that my training would help me in any situation that I would experience.”

Fr. Kidd said that he wanted to participate in this discussion because he felt that when he was young, he took our country and the opportunities it gives us for granted.  He wants to make sure our students don’t make the same mistake.  He stressed that the military isn’t for everyone, but that everyone can benefit from the military.  Fr. Kidd also said that it was an Army chaplain who helped him decide to enter the priesthood.

Several other Central Catholic alumni veterans attended the assembly as honored guests, and they all enjoyed an appreciation lunch that followed.