Sat Jul 31 2010
By Ruth Lang
The Alliance Review
Emotions were high as approximately 1,200 students and staff at Waterloo’s K-12 complex lined the halls in support of district technology coordinator and Staff Sgt. Pete Negron, who will be deployed to Afghanistan with the U.S. Army Reserves in January.
“I didn’t know anything about this until last week,” said Negron of the districtwide sendoff planned by several staff members. “For me, it’s very emotional. Today is going to be just as bad as the day I leave.”
While the high school men’s choir sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” over the PA system, Negron walked the halls in full fatigues, greeting students and staff who were clapping, cheering, saluting and waving flags provided by the Mogadore and Streetsboro VFWs. He stopped at several spots along the way to accept letters and hugs and to regain his composure before continuing.
“(I’m) glad to support him as he goes away,” said fourth-grader Brianna Noga, who was among those saluting. Negron finished his walk just minutes shy of the final bell and stayed, along with his family, for a reception with high school staff.
Negron, who was notified of the deployment in September, will serve for a year as a career counselor, handling enlistments.
“We’re very excited that he’s doing this, representing our country — and in a way, he’s representing us,” said high school administrative assistant Pat Haliburton. “The Waterloo family will miss him, and we’ll be thinking of him as he goes on his deployment in January,” said high school Principal Nick Hulea. “We hope and pray that everything goes well for him. We look forward to his return in January (2011).”
“We will miss him for the obvious reasons,” said Superintendent Robert Wolf of the computer guy who’s been with the district for 15 year, “and we’re working to see how we can plug that hole.”
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Posted by zoe December 29, 2009
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Pete,
Sorry I missed your send off, but my heart goes with you. You KNOW that. Our sincere best wishes for your continued health and safety. See you next year. WE salute YOU. Warmly, KKasper |
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Posted by missmiss December 19, 2009
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Best Wishes for a safe return home! May God be with you! Thank you for your service!
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Posted by gramwisdom3 December 19, 2009
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Dear Pete,
It takes a lot of courage and heart to protect our country, and you have plenty of both! Thank you so much for your hard work and sacrifice. God Bless and Keep You! -Bonnie |
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Posted by bqwhotoo1 December 19, 2009
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God Bless you and keep you as you depart. Stay safe and we will await your return. I hope the return reception is just as grand. Thank you and all the military for their service to our country.
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