GW’s JROTC shows appreciation to local veterans

By Sarah Arkin

Published: November 11, 2008

George Washington High School honored veterans from every division of the U.S. military and paid special tribute to a World War II veteran and public school teacher Tuesday during a ceremony at the school.

Members of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps offered special thanks to the 16 GW faculty and staff members of American Legion posts 1097, 325 and 29, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 647.

To wild applause, World War II veteran Sherman Powell accepted a plaque in honor of his service.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Powell said of the ceremony.

The 83-year-old was drafted at 18, and joined Army Gen. George Patton’s unit, serving for more than three years during World War II. He fought in the famous Battle of the Bulge and also helped liberate Jewish concentration camps after crossing the Rhine River.

Upon returning to Danville, Powell worked for Dan River Mills for 45 years before retiring. He has since spent 18 years with Danville Public Schools.

Senior Naval Science instructor Franklin Hill said he was pleased with the ceremony and thanked his cadets for participating.

While it’s always important to recognize veterans’ service, Hill said, ceremonies during wartime “bring (recognition) to the forefront.”

He added that just about everybody at GW knows someone who is enlisted in the military.

Junior Raven Breedlove has been involved with JROTC for all three years of high school.

She said the program “shows you how to have a strong work ethic and teaches you to be a leader.” Her father is in the Air Force and Breedlove said she hopes to follow in his footsteps. JROTC, she said, will “prepare me for war.”

In addition to Powell, those recognized at the ceremony were: Roy Barnes, Derek Bethel, Jonathan Brower, Jerry Dudley, Ron Hessinger, Franklin Hitt, Connie Jennings, Rick McGaughey, David Martin, Virginia Motley, Steve O’Grady, Barry Snead, Renita Snowten, Steve Walton and Lester Yesnick.

Contact Sarah Arkin at or (434) 791-7983.