CLARKSVILLE, TN – “Once they’re gone, there’s nobody else to tell these stories. All we’ll have are the books.” Olivia Buehler said with conviction – an impassioned plea carrying far more weight than one might expect from a 15-year-old on the cusp of summer break. A freshman at Rossview High School, Olivia confessed she had little interest in history class – until she met Colonel Joe Peterburs.
Their meeting was part of the Soaring Valor Mission, an initiative by the Gary Sinise Foundation aimed at preserving the legacy of World War II veterans. Seventeen veterans participated in the most recent trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, where they visited the National WWII Museum – a tribute built in their honor. But this mission wasn’t only for veterans. What served as a powerful reminder for some was an invaluable education for others. Twenty cadets from Rossview High School’s JROTC program joined the veterans, forming connections that would leave indelible marks on their lives.
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