By Monty Siekerman
Jim Pifer gave some startling facts about our military and suggested a solution to some of the problems of readiness.
Speaking before 75 people at a Veterans Day breakfast on Friday at the Ada High School cafeteria, Jim said:
* 75% of today's young people are not eligible for military service because they cannot pass the education test, have committed crimes, or are physically unfit.
*only 10% of Americans have, or are now, serving in the military.
*only 1% of our population is currently serving in the military.
Col. David D. Kretz. He is commander of the Wright-Patterson AFB, was speaker at the ONU Veterans Day program. More details are in the story below. (Monty Siekerman photo)
By Monty Siekerman
At a Veterans Day program on campus Friday, Ohio Northern University recognized the ultimate sacrifices the men and women gave and saluted those who made it home safely with more than 150 people in attendance near Dr. Henry Solomon Lehr's statue on Main Street.
"I have traveled to 34 countries and the United States is the greatest one on earth," said the main speaker, Col. David D. Kretz. He is commander of the Wright-Patterson AFB, directing over 2,100 personnel with a $54 million budget.
A holiday tradition continues with the upcoming performance of Ohio Northern University’s 22nd annual “ONU Holiday Spectacular” musical extravaganza. The show will be presented in ONU’s Freed Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 17, Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, with a matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Nov. 19. It also will be presented at the Lima Veterans Memorial Civic and Convention Center at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3, with matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
The Ada Exempted Village School District is having Parent-Teacher Conferences for students in grades K-12 on Monday, Nov. 21 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Students will only attend school on Monday, Nov. 21. There will not be school on Nov. 22 and 23. Thanksgiving Break is Nov. 24 and Nov. 25.
Elementary conferences will be student-led. Parents should bring their child with them so that the student, along with his or her teacher can share information about this year’s progress. Parents had the opportunity to sign up for conference times at Open House in most cases. Reminders will be sent home.
The Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and the Buy Ada First Committee will host the 25 Days of Christmas Buy Local Contest Nov. 21 to Dec. 15. We are currently seeking businesses to partner with on this initiative to encourage people to shop local this Holiday season.
Any Hardin County business may participate. Businesses would need to display the Buy Local First Hardin County sign and donate a $25 gift certificate. This event will be promoted through local media and our Facebook page.
