Addison Trail and Willowbrook honor veterans in recognition of Veterans Day

On Nov. 10, local veterans and first responders attended a Veterans Day lunch at Addison Trail. They also watched a tribute video and viewed the school's Veterans Day displays in the media center. Top left: Larry Benischek, who served in the U.S. Air Force, compares a photo of himself during his years of service to a photo of his father from when he served. Top right: Addison Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Scott Walker looks at the collage of photos. Bottom left: Pictured is a Veterans Day display case at Addison Trail. Bottom right: Pictured are local veterans and first responders, along with Addison Trail students who plan to pursue a career in the military.

Top left: Members of the Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801 and other local veterans are honored during Willowbrook's Veterans Day assembly on Nov. 11. Top right: Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause welcomes the audience to the assembly. Bottom left: Willowbrook's symbolic rock is painted red, white and blue in honor of Veterans Day. Bottom right: American flags line the entryway to Willowbrook on Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day.

Left: Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause (left) presents Rich Rentner (who retired in 2015 after working at Willowbrook for 32 years) with cards and thank you notes from students and staff in honor of Rentner's service during World War II and his upcoming 90th birthday. Middle: Tim Connolly (right), Commander of the Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801, presents Rentner with a certificate for a commemorative memorial brick paver. Right: Rentner gives a thumbs up of appreciation to the audience.

Addison Trail and Willowbrook recently recognized veterans through a variety of activities in honor of Veterans Day Nov. 11.

At Willowbrook, students and staff enjoyed an assembly that showcased the history of the military and the true meaning of Veterans Day. Soldiers with a connection to Willowbrook were honored, including staff members and members of the Villa Park Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2801. The school also recognized former staff member Rich Rentner, who retired in 2015 after working at Willowbrook for 32 years as a student supervisor. Rentner served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a sergeant. In celebration of Rentner’s service and his 90th birthday on Nov. 14, students and staff wrote him cards and thank you notes. The VFW also presented him with a certificate for a commemorative memorial brick paver.

At Addison Trail, local veterans and first responders, along with Addison Trail students who plan to serve in the military, attended a lunch and enjoyed a Veterans Day video on Nov. 10. A collage honoring soldiers with a connection to Addison Trail also was displayed in the media center. The school focused on recognizing alumni, as the 2016-17 school year is Addison Trail’s 50th anniversary. Stay up to date with Addison Trail 50th anniversary events and happenings through the following methods: