More than 400 veterans and guests attended Questar III’s 12th annual veteran’s luncheons on Wednesday, November 4th at the Columbia-Greene Educational Center (CGEC) in Hudson, NY and on Thursday, November 5th at the Rensselaer Educational Center (REC) in Troy, NY. Many staff and students from Questar III were also in attendance.
Bernard Cambalik (right), here with another veteran member of Jennings-Willet American Legion Post 346, playfully referred to himself as “BOCES Bernie.” After serving in the Korean War, he taught in the Adult Education division of Dutchess County BOCES for 30 years.
In fact, the students were responsible for most elements of the event. At both locations, students in the Criminal Justice program served as traffic directors and parking attendants.
The meals were prepared and served by students in the Culinary Arts programs. SkillsUSA students also assisted with serving food and beverages. Juniors and seniors at CGEC, under the direction of Chef Peter Desmond, and at REC under the direction of Chef Andrew Ottati, arranged a food spread reminiscent of a Thanksgiving feast. In addition to salads, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole and turkey, there were roast-carving stations.
Elias, a senior in the Culinary Arts program at CGEC, ready to carve a roast.
The delectable dessert selections, which included mini cups of apple crisp and pumpkin pie, were created by students in Chef DiMartino’s and Lisa Phegn’s Intro to Food Services classes.
“Of course our Culinary program and our Introduction to Foods program are very involved in preparing, serving, and cleaning up for the luncheon, but the event is school wide,” said CGEC Principal Jake Stomieroski. “Other students help set up and take down chairs and tables. Every program helps by decorating bulletin boards and making sure the Veterans and their guests are welcome.”
One of the many student-decorated bulletin boards.
REC Principal Anthony DeFazio spoke about the sincerity of the students. “Everyone I spoke to found the students to be very attentive,” he said. “Not just in assisting the veterans and their guests, but also in the ways students showed deeper understanding and respect for the service and sacrifices of veterans and their families.”
Attendees entered to win a variety of door prizes, which were also provided by students at CGEC and REC. Prizes included a car wash from Automotive Services, a birdhouse from Building Trades, and a haircut and manicure from Cosmetology.
Veterans of Jennings-Willet American Legion Post 346 enjoying the food and the company.
Students in Questar III’s Media Communications program, based at Catskill High School, also participated in the CGEC luncheon by taking video and interviewing a few of the most important guests: local veterans.
Among the attendees were veterans from Vietnam, Korea, and even a few from World War II, and they all had stories to share. “Stories are always a big part of the day,” said Stomieroski. “This year, a WWII pilot who trained other pilots was here and had a great conversation with our Aviation instructor.”
Robert Card (left) and his brother, Stanford Card (right), from Minkler-Seery American Legion Post 252 of Philmont, are WWII veterans who have attended the luncheon at CGEC every year since it began in 2003.
“We’ve hosted the Veterans Day lunch at CGEC for years and the responses from the Veterans and their guests are always overwhelming. It is such a community event,” Stomieroski said. “Many of our guests have said it’s the only time all year they get to see old friends. We are so pleased to be able to provide this service to honor our Veterans.”
DeFazio echoed this sentiment. “When veterans and their families come to this event, you recognize them,” he said. “There are a lot of returners and we get to follow their stories over the years. There is a very nice connection not only with veterans but also with their families.”
