Veterans Day Celebrated In Person, Mutts With A Mission Facility Dog Introduced

For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy was able to hold our annual Veterans Day celebration in person with students, faculty, staff, veterans and a new, four-legged addition to the NSA family.

VIP guests from Lake Prince Woods retirement community and veterans from the NSA family filled the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center as Head of School Debbie Russell opened the program and welcomed everyone to the Main Campus. Students from both campuses looked on from the bleachers.

"While many people realize that Veterans Day is an important day to honor our Veterans, there are also many people that do not realize the historical significance behind this day," said Mrs. Russell. "Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. It is for this reason that we gather each year on this day to recognize those who served and sacrificed so much for our country as well as our freedom."

Mrs. Russell then introduced master of ceremonies Rob Clemow '23, who is a senior at NSA and the son of Lieutenant Commander and Mrs. Peter Clemow. Rob then welcomed Rex White '32 to the podium as Rex led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Middle School chorus followed with a rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner" and the Upper School chorus performed NSA's alma mater.

Kaden Jones '28 and Mason Jones '32, children of Master Chief Petty Officer Jermaine Jones and Senior Chief Petty Officer Tanya Jones, then presented the poem "Veterans Day" by Cheryl Dyson. It reads in part, "On Veterans Day we honor all, who answered to a service call. Soldiers young, and soldiers old, fought for freedom, brave and bold. Some have lived, while others died, and all of them deserve our pride."

Rob then took to the podium and thanked all veterans in attendance for going above and beyond the call of duty. One veteran missing from this year's celebration was World War II and D-Day veteran Robert "Jack" Ewald, who passed away earlier this year at the age of 96. A regular attendee at our Veterans Day celebration and special visitor to Mrs. Davies' second grade classroom, Sergeant Ewald was just 19 years old when he landed on Normandy beach on June 6, 1944. In April 2018, he and other World War II veterans were honored by French President Emmanuel Macron with the Legion of Honor, which is awarded on behalf of the head of state to "the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity." A moment of silence was held to honor Jack's memory and his service and commitment to his country.

Following the moment of silence, Rob introduced our keynote speaker, Lieutenant Colonel Adrienne Hartgerink, United States Air Force, retired. In addition to being a veteran, Lieutenant Colonel Hartgerink is a certified registered nurse anesthetist who has won several awards. She's also the mother of Skylar Hartgerink '23 and Brett Hartgerink '23.

"On this Veterans Day, it is a time to celebrate all those that have served to keep this country safe, the families that have sacrificed to allow them to do so and all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom," said Lieutenant Colonel Hartgerink.

After Lieutenant Colonel Hartgerink concluded her speech, the NSA band played "Armed Forces on Parade" and "Armed Forces - Pride of America," which honor the U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Air Force. Veteran attendees stood to be recognized as the song for their branch of the military was played.

Mrs. Russell then brought to center stage Army veteran and Mutts With A Mission executive director and founder Brooke Corson and her facility dog, Jett. Mutts With A Mission is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains service dogs for disabled veterans, first responders and law enforcement, as well as facility dogs for other organizations, at no cost to the recipients. Mrs. Russell talked about the positive impact that Mutts With A Mission has made for our heroes and how the organization is always in need of puppy raisers, who spend about two years training each service dog and facility dog before they're placed in the community. Then, Mrs. Russell invited to the stage Dr. Adam Henderson '03 and Dr. Kate Henderson, co-owners of Tidewater Animal Clinic, and revealed some news that excited everyone in attendance. 

"In partnership with Mutts With A Mission and Drs. Adam and Kate Henderson, and as part of our Saints Health and Wellness Program, we are thrilled to announce that effective today, Jett will be joining the NSA family as our facility dog!" said Mrs. Russell.

Drs. Adam and Kate Henderson then changed Jett's vest to a custom Saints facility dog vest. Facility dogs are expertly trained dogs who partner with a facilitator and work in a health care or educational setting to help more than one person at a time. Unlike therapy dogs, who typically spend only a few hours working, facility dogs “work” full-time at the organization. Jett will help further promote overall well-being among NSA students, faculty and staff and will help to facilitate conversations about mental health and wellness with our school counselors.

"With an intentional focus on improving the mental health of our NSA community, Jett will be working with our school counselors daily and will be a source of comfort for all," said Mrs. Russell. "Jett will also be part of our lower school PAWS for Reading program and will be joining the Saints community at some extracurricular activities as her schedule permits."

Frequently asked questions about Jett are available now online.

The NSA band concluded the program with a performance of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" by John Phillip Sousa.

If you'd like to learn more about Mutts With A Mission or become a puppy raiser yourself, please visit the Mutts With A Mission website.

Thank you to all our veterans today and every day for your service and sacrifice. Go Saints!