OTTUMWA —
Last week, Americans remembered those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001. This week, Ottumwans have the opportunity to pay tribute to Iowans who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation from future attacks.
A ceremony was held Tuesday morning at Ottumwa High School marking the opening of the traveling exhibit, “Remembering Our Fallen,” honoring Iowa heroes that gave their lives in protecting our freedoms.
The exhibit features photos of more than 80 men and women killed in the “War on Terror.” Formal military photos as well as candid photos are included, allowing the public a glimpse into the lives of those that gave a tremendous sacrifice while serving our country.
Two Ottumwans are included in the display. Army Cpl. Jonathan E. Schiller, 20, a 2004 graduate of OHS, who died on Dec. 31, 2006, in Iraq; and Air Force Staff Sgt. Joseph J. Hamski, 28, a 2001 OHS graduate, who died on May 26, 2011 in Afghanistan.
Hamski’s mother, Mary Ellen Winston told those gathered for the ceremony, “When the community gathers, we know they are not forgotten. It is important to remember the sacrifice they have given, but we also remember the story that is in here,” she said touching her heart.
She recalled the day three soldiers came to her home. “As soon as they walked in, I knew why they were there, to tell me those words no parent wants to hear.”
That day, as a service woman choked back tears while reading an email detailing the fate of her son, Winston realized, “The military is more than just a uniform. I understood that it is more than just a job, it is family.”
She noted that she doesn’t have any regrets, she understood how precious time was and never wasted any of the moments spent with her son. Because of his military career she didn’t get to see him a lot, but they spoke frequently on the phone. She misses him, she misses his voice the most, saying that every conversation with him always ended with “love you mommy.”
Winston recalled a time that her son told her not to worry about him, she replied to him, “As you grew for nine months under my heart, a part of you grew into my heart.”
Maj. Dave Harper, 224th Engineer Battalion Operations Officer, noted that for many school-age children today, 9/11 happened before they were born, yet we still have men and women sacrificing their lives today to protect the United States.
He urged those in attendance to honor these Iowans that are featured in the exhibit, those that have gone above and beyond what is expected of the average American citizen. He noted one small way we can do this is by being good citizens, “I ask you to go out and do an act of kindness for someone.”
The exhibit will be on display and open to the public in the OHS Library through Sept. 28 during regular school hours from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Local News
Related Photos
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A ceremony was held Tuesday morning at Ottumwa High School marking the opening of the traveling exhibit, “Remembering Our Fallen,” honoring Iowa heroes. Lori Faybik/The Courier
September 19, 2012
Remembering Iowa’s fallen heroes
Traveling exhibit at OHS honors sacrifice, including two Ottumwans
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