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'A debt that can never be repaid'

| 13 Nov 2014 | 01:37
    The Monroe-Woodbury School District unveiled a plaque in the lobby of the High School last Friday honoring five graduates who died while serving the country in the military.
    The Monroe-Woodbury School District unveiled a plaque in the lobby of the High School last Friday honoring five graduates who died while serving the country in the military.
    Photos by William Dimmit Members of the familys of Paul Voelke, Gregg Wenzel, Philip Ruminski, Frank Pugliese and Richard Marsh.
    Photos by William Dimmit Members of the familys of Paul Voelke, Gregg Wenzel, Philip Ruminski, Frank Pugliese and Richard Marsh.
    Student Samantha Trimblett, who helped make the plaque, stands with Assistant Principal Alan Faldermeyer, who spearheaded the effort.
    Student Samantha Trimblett, who helped make the plaque, stands with Assistant Principal Alan Faldermeyer, who spearheaded the effort.
    Principal David Bernsley addresses the families prior to the unveiling of the plaque honoring their loved ones 'for the debt that can never be repaid."
    Principal David Bernsley addresses the families prior to the unveiling of the plaque honoring their loved ones 'for the debt that can never be repaid."
    Photos by William Dimmit The ceremony last Friday at Monroe-Woodbury High School attracted Assemblyman James Skoufis and Jerrold, left, and Paul Oser, past and present commander of the Orange County American Legion.
    Photos by William Dimmit The ceremony last Friday at Monroe-Woodbury High School attracted Assemblyman James Skoufis and Jerrold, left, and Paul Oser, past and present commander of the Orange County American Legion.
    Paul C. Voelke Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1994
    Paul C. Voelke Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1994
    Gregg D. Wenzel Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1987
    Gregg D. Wenzel Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1987
    Frank Pugliese
    Frank Pugliese
    Richard C. Marsh Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1965
    Richard C. Marsh Monroe-Woodbury Class of 1965
    Philip Ruminski
    Philip Ruminski

CENTRAL VALLEY — Members of the Monroe-Woodbury community gathered on Friday, Nov. 7, to honor five alumni who served in the military and gave their lives for freedom.

Members of the veterans' families joined school officials and Assemblyman James Skoufis in a brief ceremony, during which a handmade plaque displaying the five men's names was unveiled in the Monroe-Woodbury High School lobby.

The plaque will remain on permanent display as a reminder for all who enter of the ultimate sacrifice our veterans make for country.

"As an alumnus, a graduate of the Class of 1987," High School Principal David Bernsley said in his remarks, "this Crusader has the privilege of recognizing my fellow alumni and their families for a debt that can never be repaid."

Bernsley also recognized three people instrumental in the program:

Assistant Principal Alan Faldermeyer, "a Marine who made it his mission to see that these five me and their families received the proper honors."

Student Samantha Trimblett, "who spent hours perfecting the plaques."

And Elsie Rodriguez, "our Superintendent (who) allowed us to honor our own."