Quain, Steidinger address students for Veterans Day
A Prairie Central alum addressed this week’s Veterans Day assembly at Prairie Central High School.
Major Kyle Steidinger is a 2006 PC graduate and currently works at OSF St. James Medical Center and SELCAS. He’s with the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria.
He pointed to the essential military jobs of medics, cooks and supply specialists who have all played critical roles. Steidinger explained the history of floating ice cream factories which had a purpose of feeding troops while providing them comfort with a taste of home. Some sailors worked in logistics, engineering and made sure refrigeration systems worked properly.
“Success rarely belongs to one person,” said Steidinger.
Some serve in positions that draw attention while others work behind the scenes and their contributions matter.
“Service is not about glory. It is about doing your job well,” added Steidinger.
Following the presentation of colors from the Fairbury VFW and American Legion posts, PCHS Principal Wade Czerwonka gave the welcome. He remembered the late Paul Augsburger as someone the school could always count on. He presided over the Voice of Democracy contest for students each year. A moment of silence was held.
State Rep. Jason Bunting of the 106th District thanked everyone who has worn a uniform, saying Veterans Day is about the people.
“I challenge you to think about something,” Bunting told PCHS students. “The freedoms you and I enjoy today didn’t just happen.”
Bunting notes we have opportunities today we should not take for granted.
“Students if you have the opportunity, shake a veteran’s hand.”
Mary Catherine Carter of the Fairbury VFW Auxiliary #9789 acknowledged those who participated in the Voice of Democracy contest. Students had to write an essay and record a speech. Dale Roach of the Chenoa VFW announced winners as well.
For Fairbury, first place was Layna Rassi, followed by Even Leman in second and third was Elliana Johnson. In Chenoa, first place was Julian Assaf, second Clayton Meiss and third Makenna Mashburn.
At Prairie Central Upper Elementary in Forrest, Captain Emyli Quain addressed students on Veterans Day. She is an Air Force flight nurse who lives in Fairbury with her husband and children and grew up in the Chicago suburbs. She works full-time for BroMenn Medical Center and occasionally trains in Ohio.
Quain could be called up to transport injured or sick service members back to the U.S. to get the care they need if we ever get involved in a larger war.
“On Monday, I was in five different states in one day,” stated Quain.
Quain is also the executive assistant to her commander and did pre-deployment medical training in Texas. She explained the story behind the “missing man” table where service members who did not come home are remembered.
“My job is to make sure that anyone who is ill, sick or injured comes home and we don’t have to use that missing man table to remember them.”
Some Upper Elementary students then read a short description about the history of each military branch.
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