Mayfield Elementary School students gathered Friday morning to honor the veterans of the school community and express their gratitude to all of those who have served in the US Military.
As a special tribute, they presented Brett Dutcher, the Elementary school security officer, with a Quilt of Valor, made by fourth grade student Evan Jones and his grandparents, Susan and Tom Salvo.
Traditionally, the Quilt of Valor is given to service members or veterans who have been touched by war and is meant to represent a three-part message: honor, freedom and comfort. The quilt honors those who stood in harm’s way to protect others; reminds us that freedom is not free; and provides comfort to the recipient by knowing they are in the hearts and thoughts of those around them.
Dutcher is a US Army veteran and Purple Heart Award recipient for injuries he sustained while on deployment in Iraq in 2009-2010. During a mission to locate a school that was in need of reconstruction, Dutcher was the lead driver of a four vehicle convoy that was attacked by opposing forces, an event that left him with a traumatic brain injury, a separated shoulder and broken spine. Despite his injuries he went on to finish the tour as well as complete another six month tour before his discharge in 2014.
After his time served, Dutcher continued to work for the federal government in other positions, but knowing that protecting others was important to him, he soon came back to the role of security. When a position at his alma mater of Mayfield as a school security officer opened up, he knew it was the right place for him.
“It means a lot to me to be able to contribute to the school I went to,” said Dutcher. “I have great memories here and now I get to make memories for the kids who go here. So many of them look up to me as a role model.”
Susan Fenstermacher, Mayfield Elementary reading teacher and Boy Scout leader, commented on Dutcher’s connection with the students.
“He is really a positive influence on these kids. In just the couple of years that he’s been here he’s built some great relationships with them,” Fenstermacher said.
The Quilt of Valor honor was a surprise to Dutcher and the assembly’s audience, contributing to the patriotic tenor of the day and providing a deeper understanding of Veterans Day and the importance of expressing gratitude to those who serve.
The assembly’s activities also included the Presenting and Retiring of the Colors by Boy Scout Troop 5053, a performance of the National Anthem by the 6th grade choir members, presentations to each veteran, and a variety of songs, poems and words of appreciation from each grade level.