(Chelsea Update would like to thank Dawn Putnam for the information and photos in this story.)
During the past four years, Chelsea Senior Center has partnered with Beach Middle School to connect sixth graders and local veterans for a project that’s become a lasting tradition across generations.
The collaboration began as a way to observe Veterans Day in a more personal and meaningful way. Each fall, students from the sixth-grade English Language Arts and Global Studies classes gather to listen to stories from local veterans, learning not only about history but also about the community members who lived it.
“Our goal is to have students practice active listening and follow-up questions as our panel tells their stories,” said middle school teacher Amy Doma. “We also want them to understand more deeply how much our veterans have sacrificed.”
This year’s panel was particularly notable for featuring veterans from four different branches of the U.S. military. Sharing with students this year were:
Retired Captain Jim Alford, who served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a helicopter pilot and combat veteran of the Vietnam War.
Retired Lieutenant Caleb Coon, who served eight years in the U.S. Navy, several of which were as a flight instructor. Lt. Coon served in Afghanistan, operated throughout the Middle East, and now teaches at Beach Middle School.
Retired U.S. Air Force veteran Kathy Hay, who served stateside during the Vietnam War era and later became one of the first uniformed female officers in the Ann Arbor Police Department.
Retired U.S. Reconnaissance Marine Lawrence Miller, founder of Trek for Vets (www.trekforvets.com), a non-profit that raises awareness and support for veterans across Michigan. Miller also served as the keynote speaker at this year’s Veteran Day Community Tribute held at the Chelsea Senior Center on Nov.11.
Some veterans, like Alford and Coon, have participated every year since the program began. Panelists Hay and Miller joined for the first time this year, each bringing stories that ranged from funny to profound.
“For many of our veterans, sharing these stories can be both emotional and healing,” said Jon Van Hoek, assistant director of the Chelsea Senior Center, who helped to organize the panel discussion. “When young people listen with curiosity and respect, it reminds our veterans that their experiences matter.”
Backrow – Cris Garcia, Amy Doma, U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, Vivan Dyer, Ryann Skypec, front row – Iroquois Oswal and Amia Anderson.
When asked about his perspective on the sixth-grade interviews, Chelsea Senior Center member Capt. Alford shared that he spent two years flying helicopters in Vietnam. After returning from both tours, he recalled that he and other veterans did not proudly wear their uniforms or speak about their experiences because of the public anger toward soldiers who went to war. “This silence carried on for many years, 30 to 40 years for some of us. Others took their stories to the grave,” said Alford. “Now, after 50 years, people are giving veterans the recognition they deserve.”
However, he noted, the questions people ask aren’t always the ones that matter most. Capt. Alford explained that students ask the right questions: How did your family feel about you going to war? Did you miss being at home? Did you get hurt? What was your job in the service?
“They care about the answers, and they want to hear firsthand from us,” Alford said. “That’s what got me involved and what keeps bringing me back.”
After listening to the veterans, students wrote “A Letter to a Veteran,” an authentic writing opportunity that teachers say brings out some of the students’ best work. “Many know exactly what they want to say,” said Beach Middle School teacher Cris Garcia.
Chelsea Senior Center volunteers provided a real-world audience for students by reading the letters and selecting stand-outs. Former Chelsea Senior Center Director Tina Patterson was one of several readers this year. “I believe in volunteer service, and when it comes to intergenerational activities, anything we can do to mentor and support young people is important,” said Patterson, who was impressed with the students’ work this year. “It is clear that their letters are heartfelt.”
Students whose letters were chosen shared their work as part of the Veterans Day Community Tribute at the Chelsea Senior Center on Nov. 11. This year, students Amia Anderson, Vivan Dyer, and Iroquois Oswal presented to an audience of local veterans, families, and community members.
“Our veterans look forward to this event each year,” said Jennifer Smith, executive director of the Chelsea Senior Center. “They appreciate the genuine interest from students and the opportunity to pass their stories on directly. It’s moving to see how both generations walk away inspired.”
Chelsea School District Superintendent Michael Kapolka agreed. “When our students visit or join seniors for events like Veterans Day, it’s a bridge between generations,” he said. “That kind of connection reminds us that learning happens not just in classrooms but in relationships. Our partnership with the Chelsea Senior Center makes our district stronger, our community tighter, and our young people wiser about the legacy they’re becoming part of.”
The Veterans Day collaboration between Chelsea Senior Center and Beach Middle School does more than mark a day of remembrance; it is a valued exchange between generations. Through the voices of veterans, students gain a clearer sense of the people and experiences that shape their community.
For veterans, the opportunity to speak directly with young people offers a renewed sense of purpose and connection. By bridging generations, the project ensures that the lessons of service and sacrifice remain part of our community’s living story.
Chelsea Senior Center (CSC) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Chelsea, Michigan. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life and well-being for area seniors and their families. Chelsea Senior Center is located at 512 Washington Street. Contact CSC at [email protected] or (734) 475-9242.
