Throughout history there have been several wars. Most of us have seen the gruesome news titles that paint a picture of the war’s tragedies, we forget these wars are real. Not all of us realize those stories are real people. So let’s recognize some of the veterans in our community!
Roger Hasz, a social studies teacher at Alliance High School, is a veteran of many wars. He served 24 and a half years in the United States Army, retiring September 17, 2014. “First war it was Desert Storm, Desert Shield Storm I should say, 1990-1991 when I first came into the military.” said Mr. Hasz when asked about what wars he was in. This was the beginning of his journey. Throughout the years he continued in the Army, “Then I served in Kosovo, a peace keeping mission, I was a prisoner guard for a terrorist camp in Kosovo. Then I served in Iraq, for Iraqi freedom in 2010.” His reason for fighting throughout the year was, “Helping especially in Kosovo there are a lot of orphans and we try to help them out. Even in Iraq, the underprivileged kids that didn’t have much to eat, had very tough lives to give them food and just to help them out. That’s probably the most satisfying thing, just to help the people that could not defend themselves.” Mr. Hasz served the country almost his whole life, even in retirement he is continuing to work at the high school and the Box Butte Reservoir. To do this day, the student body and staff look up to him for all he has accomplished!
Also working with the high school is Jesus Amill, who teaches B.A.C.. Before Mr. Amill was a teacher he worked for the United States Air Force; retiring December 1991, he served 20 years, two weeks, and two days as a Computer Operations Manager. “Never figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up! In the Air Force I started out as a Technician for the Weather.” said Mr. Amill when asked what motivated him to continue to the military. Even after retiring from the Air Force Mr. Amill carried on with working in his community. When asked why he became a teacher Mr. Amill said “My first job in Alliance was with the YMCA. I left there after 10 years,because most of the kids that grew up with me at the Y, were starting high school!” He is persistent with serving his country and helping kids. When asked if he’d do it all again if given the opportunity his answer was “Absolutely! Only I would try harder.”
Another hero in our town is Bradley Moomey. Mr. Moomey is a 74 year old veteran of the United States Navy. He served in Vietnam for 4 and a half years, “I wasn’t in country per say but I was in the combat zone, I was on board a destroyer.” When asked about what his favorite memory was he said, “We would be out at sea for three weeks, two to three weeks at a time. Then we’d go into some port for a few days. And that’s my best time was seeing and being in the different ports.” His job was offering support for the troops in the country using the guns on the ships. To this day, when asked if he’d do it all over again his answer is “Sure of course I would yeah, I thoroughly enjoyed what I did.” Bradley Moomey talks about his stories to the students of Alliance high school, inspiring many students.
Veterans are people to be looked up to and appreciated, not just for their service but for their bravery to put our freedom before their lives. They’ve lived through things that most everyday people would fear or even have a hard time picturing. Make sure to thank all service members you know!
