Many staff members of the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth have served in the military. But all of the prison’s employees put themselves at risk to protect others, an Army colonel said.
Col. James Gray, commandant of the U.S. Disciplinary Barracks at Fort Leavenworth, was the guest speaker Monday morning at the USP’s Veterans Day observance.
The ceremony came a day ahead of the Veterans Day holiday.
“All of America owes you a deep debt of gratitude,” Gray said to the USP employees who had assembled in the prison’s Staff Training Center.
USP Warden Claude Chester said veterans have defended the nation when its borders, people and way of life have been threatened.
“Veterans Day is a tribute to you and your devotion to duty,” he said.
According to Gray, more than half of USP employees are veterans.
“That’s a pretty impressive figure,” he said.
Names of veterans working at the USP were listed in the program for Monday’s ceremony.
Gray said he saw several names of people who served at the USDB at Fort Leavenworth at one time or another.
The program included the names of four USP employees who were said to be “on orders in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.” They are J.T. Smith, senior officer specialist; Juan Aquilar, correctional officer; Amanda Prier, unit secretary; and Charles Hughes, senior officer specialist.
“We are a strong nation and a good people,” Gray said.
He said Americans have a duty to pass on the blessing of freedom to the next generation.
Monday’s ceremony included the folding of an American flag with an explanation of what each fold represented. Rifles were fired outside of the training center before Taps was played.
There also was a video that featured the songs for the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines. Veterans in the audience were asked to stand when their service songs were played.
Leavenworth, Kan. —
