‘Fist Bumping Veterans’ expand to Washington
WASHINGTON, Ill. (WMBD) — A group of veterans who greet arriving students at Tremont Elementary School every week are now doing the same in a different community.
Started by Vietnam veteran Rick Otey in 2017, the 'Fist Bumping Veterans' give students high fives, fist bumps, and words of encouragement as they arrive at school on Thursday mornings. Now, they also greet students at John Hensey Elementary School in Washington.
"Thursday are amazing because the kids know that they're going to be here and they the veterans, greet them with a high five fist bump and a big smile. They encourage the students. They tell them, have a good day. And it just puts a great big smile on our kids face and our veterans faces," said Krystal Veginski, teacher and veteran greeter program coordinator at Hensey Elementary.
Once she learned about the initiative in Tremont, Veginski said she knew she had to bring it to her school.
"And they were all excited. So during Veterans Day, we really kind of re-emphasize that and kind of explain it all again and the importance of of these men and women that serve our country," she said.
For veterans like Dan Haley, it gives them a sense of purpose and community.
"I enjoy meeting my friends and I enjoy meeting the kids. It's a feel good feeling," said Haley, who is also the president of Vietnam Veterans Association of Illinois, a veteran advocacy organization.
"I think it's a good program and teaching our young citizens what it's like to be a good citizen and having an appreciation of the history of this country, have an appreciation for the ones that preceded them that served the country, and appreciation to those who have paid a heavy price for our freedom." Haley said the simple interaction goes a long way for veterans to instill a sense of service to a new generation.
"Think it's just their patriotic duty helping these young kids learn what it's like to appreciate our country and appreciate those that are before them and those that will come after them. There are going to be young people in this school today, who, at some point will be charged with protecting our country," he said.
