Two Exeter-Milligan Seniors spend summer at boot camp

Courtesy photo – Exeter-Milligan seniors, Nick Hayek (left) and Ryan Sharp (right) at their graduation from boot camp in August.

The summer before a senior year in high school is usually an idyllic repast before the reality of adulting arrives.  However, two Exeter-Milligan seniors got a taste of the real world when they joined the National Guard and went to basic training in South Carolina this summer.

Ryan Sharp, of Exeter, and Nick Hayek, of Milligan, separately decided to join the National Guard.  “We weren’t planning for both of us to go at the same time,” explained Hayek.

Sharp added, “It was a crazy coincidence.”

Sharp ran into a recruiter at a career fair and decided he wanted to take the National Guard path to help him pay for college.

Hayek had similar goals but “joined the guard for the benefits.  I feel like it would help me strengthen myself plus I got some cash on the side.  It will help me out for college.”

To start their guard careers they headed to boot camp at Fort Jackson, South Carolina for the summer.  Once they got their they ended up in the same battalion and company, 3-60 River Raiders Echo Company, but in different platoons (first for Sharp, and fourth for Hayek). 

They explained that since they are younger they are part of the split operatives program.  Normally, immediately after basic training, guard members head to advance individual training (AIT).

With Sharp and Hayek still needing to complete their senior year of high school they did basic training this summer and next summer will head to AIT before starting college in the fall.

Sharp will head to Fort Lee, Virginia where he plans to train to be a supply specialist for eight weeks. 

Hayek will go back to Fort Jackson, South Carolina to train in Human Resources for 12 weeks.

Hayek hasn’t decided what path he will take in college yet, Sharp is looking at earning a degree in Sociology at UNL before heading to Penn State for a master’s degree.

It wasn’t an easy summer as the humidity in the south made the heat feel hotter, but both agreed that the football training they are doing now is “actually a bit harder than basic training.”

Hayek felt like they did a lot of cardio workouts but didn’t get the strength training it like they would in the weight room. 

Neither senior regrets the experience.  Sharp said “There were times when it was fun.  I’ll miss the people, but I wouldn’t want to do it again.”

Hayek added, “I wouldn’t say basic training was life changing.  I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone and definitely wouldn’t force anyone to do it.”

One positive they both agreed on, they came out with “more discipline and more respect for their elders.”

Exeter-Milligan students give the first day a "thumbs up"

Exeter-Milligan first and second graders gave the first day of school a “thumbs up.”L-R Lynn Jurgensen, Archer Kanode, Liam Capek, Piper Grummons, Landri Johnson, Kora Havel, Anton Classen and Saydee Kassik.

Exeter-Milligan Hosts Open House

Exeter-Milligan will host their annual Open House tonight from 5 - 7 p.m. at both campuses.  Community members along with students and their families are invited to tour the schools and meet their teachers.

Exeter-Milligan Update: FCCLA News

NEBRASKA FCCLA MEMBERS AND ADVISER RECOGNIZED WITH SUCCESS AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) largest National Leadership Conference was held in Anaheim, California June 30-July 4. More than 8,700 attendees gathered to expand leadership skills, sharpen talents, explore career pathways, and listen to inspiring speakers. Nebraska FCCLA was well represented by over 350 students, advisers, and guests.

This year’s conference theme encouraged participants to “Believe in Yourself” through competing in Competitive Events, running for office, partaking in Leadership Academy, and continuing to make a positive impact within their families, communities, and careers. Attendees also had the opportunity to engage with Red Talks, attend the Ford Driving Skills for Life event, learn about potential career and college opportunities at the EXPO, and interact with leaders from across the nation.

“It is always inspiring to watch so many young leaders come together and realize their full potential through competition, career training, and leadership workshops,” said Sandy Spavone, Executive Director of FCCLA. “This National Leadership Conference was a great success thanks to the National Board of Directors, National Staff, National Executive Council and their advisers, as well as the students, advisers, and organization’s supporters.”

Madeline Wittstruck from Milford High School was one of ten national officers elected to serve on the Family, Career and Communities Leaders of America’s (FCCLA) National Executive Council at the National Leadership Conference. Madeline will be serving as FCCLA’s Vice- President of Finance throughout the 2019-2020 year. Joyce Potthoff serves at the Milford FCCLA Chapter Adviser.

Twenty-eight National Officer Candidates took part in the National Executive Council election process as they underwent intense interviews, a FCCLA knowledge test, and presented a prepared speech on-stage during the five-day conference. The FCCLA Leadership Academy develops leadership, employability, and 21 st Century skills and gives members the opportunity to be recognized for their personal growth efforts. Through the program, members are given the opportunity to explore and practice essentials for the roles of family member, wage earner and community leader. The eight members of the Nebraska FCCLA State Officer Team participated in the Leadership Academy including: Sydney Erickson, Pierce; Makenna Welke, O’Neill; Alexis Cherry, Twin River; Caitlin Murphy, Exeter-Milligan; Sydney Schildt, Milford; Jaiden Johnson, Bloomfield, Alyssa Bell, Milford; and Irelynd Pearson, Twin River.

Mary Lou Vossler, a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher at Exeter-Milligan Public School, received the 2019 Spirit of Advising Award. This is an honor bestowed on only one FCCLA Chapter Adviser from each state.  Kristin Vest, State Adviser for Nebraska, nominated Vossler due to her exemplary advising. This award is based upon the ability to recognize chapter advisers who are constantly faithful and often quietly working behind the scenes to ensure the success of their students.

In addition to the many learning and networking experiences offered at the conference, more than 30 Family and Consumer Sciences related competitive events, also known as STAR (Students Taking Action with Recognition) Events. Events aim to support student development of knowledge and skills by enhancing the classroom experience and career pathway initiatives by equipping students with employable skills and industry insights needed to thrive in the 21^st century. 

FCCLA members choose what STAR Event they would like to compete in, events vary from Early Childhood Education, Entrepreneurship, and Sports Nutrition to Fashion Design, Job Interview, and Culinary Arts. STAR Events are competitive events in which members are recognized for their proficiency and achievement in chapter and individual projects, leadership skills, and career preparation.

Of the 4,700 competitors, Nebraska had 167 participants who came home with 96 Gold medals, 60 Silver Medals, and 11 Bronze medals and had multiple individuals and teams score in the top 10 nationally. Nebraska members brought home 56 Top Ten award winning events. The Top Ten award winners nationally include:

Caitlin Murphy, Exeter-Milligan – Leadership,”Learning to Lead” Gold Medal and placed #3 Nationally in her category/event.

Caitlin Murphy also represents Nebraska FCCLA as a state officer – Vice President of Competitive Events

Exeter Villlage Board Discusses Property Split

Exeter Village board met on August 5, 2019 with board member Kathy Erdkamp absent.

After approving the minutes and invoices and the board invited Fillmore County Zoning administrator Jennifer Slezak to talk about a lot split for property owned by Ed Mark. The board approved the split.

Clerk Becky Erdkamp reported several complaints about dogs in town running at large.  Chairman Alan Michl will talk to the marshal serving the village as Fillmore County Sheriff will not respond to a village ordinance issue.

Maintenance Supervisor John Mueller reported that the striping bid was $564.80.  The board planned to accept this bid.  Mueller reported he is waiting on an insurance certificate from the concrete contractor for the fire hall.

Mueller asked about renting the excavator for his personal use and the board had no problem with him renting the equipment.

Erdkamp reported that sales tax for May was $10,023.42 and June Keno was $819.49. There was a brief discussion on the different reports that have been published on Keno funds and Erdkamp confirmed that all of the numbers matched just the fiscal year dates used in the publication were different from the fiscal year dates the village uses which made it look like there was a discrepancy.

Michl noted that Erdkamp has been helping in Fairmont as their clerk is not in the office.  Erdkamp asked the board how they would like to compensate Mueller and she for the phone stipend. The board approved a monthly $50 phone stipend for Erdkamp and Mueller.

Next meeting was set for September 10^th.

Franzen Receives Quilt of Valor

Raymond Franzen is presented a Quilt of Valor at a ceremony at the Exeter Legion.  Placing the quilt around him are his daughters Brenda Motis, left, and Corinne Downey, right.

Raymond Franzen of Exeter was honored with a Quilt of Valor during a ceremony held Friday, July 26 at the Exeter American Legion Home.

Franzen, a Korean War Veteran, was set to receive the honor in June but a death in his family postponed the presentation.

The ceremony was well attended with Franzen’s wife, Jeannette, in the audience along with several of his grandchildren, sons-in-law, his siblings and other family members.

Marsha Jorgensen and Pat Becker are the local representatives for the Quilt of Valor program.  

Jorgensen gave a brief history of the program explaining that it was started in 2003 by Catherine Roberts who son was deployed in Iraq.  After a dream gave her the idea that quilts from home would be comforting to those serving, she began to make them to award to active military along with veterans.  

Roberts created a non-profit foundation to guide the project.  Since 2003 over 220,000 quilts have been awarded to those who have served.

Becker read a brief history of Franzen’s service.

Franzen appreciated the idea of the quilt of valor program, “I think it’s great.  It means you took an oath to serve your country and they are honoring that.  It makes a guy feel good about everything.”

The quilt awarded to Fransen was made by Carol Harris, an Exeter native who now lives in North Carolina. Franzen was taught by Harris’ mother, Jane Kaiser, in grade school and Franzen was an honorary pallbearer at Kaiser’s funeral.

Franzen volunteered for service January 18,1961.  He did his basic training at Fort Riley, Kan. and then went to Fort Sill, Okla. for artillery survey school. He also graduated from advanced artillery survey school before heading to Fort Dix and then to Germany where he was stationed with Headquarters Battalion 9^th Field Artillery based in Kitzingen, 50 miles south southeast of Frankfurt, Germany.

Franzen and his unit ran surveying equipment to calculate coordinates for firing rockets and artillery.  They were general support for the third infantry.

Franzen served 16 months overseas.  Upon returning home he was called to active reserve and served two years active duty, two years active reserve, and two years inactive reserve.  His rank was Specialist 5.

After the ceremony each of the Legion members saluted Franzen and honored him for his service.  Audience members also took the opportunity to thank Franzen for his sacrifice to his country.

“The mission of the Quilt of Valor foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts of valor.”