COL BIGENHO Colonel Kevin Bigenho was happy to share his experience serving our great nation and urged everyone to take initiative to make an impact on their community VIEW 76 PHOTOS OF THIS EVENT FOR FREE AT WWWTHEVILLAGEREPORTERCOM
By: Anna Wozniak
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
anna@thevillagereporter.com
Edgerton School, like virtually all public schools across the country, held a Veteran’s Day assembly. What all of the other schools didn’t have, however, was Edgerton’s enthusiasm and respect, showing us their true colors as a little village with a big heart.
It seemed going big was the theme of the assembly, and it can only be assumed that was for the deep respect held by school officials for those that have served our great country.
Superintendent Mr. Kermit Riehle took to the podium to guide the many wonderful music performances by the Edgerton High School Band, the elementary students, and the Edgerton Middle and High School Choir after the presentation of colors was completed by American Legion Post #10.
After the wonderful performances, Superintendent Mr. Kermit Riehle welcomed the lauded Colonel Kevin Bigenho to the podium.
Superintendent Riehle introduced Col. Bigenho by sharing that “Colonel Kevin Bigenho began his military career in 1986 when he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard as a 51k army plumber and attended basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.”
“He served as an enlisted soldier until 1994, earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant as an engineer officer through Officer Candidate School. During this time, he completed the Bachelors of Arts degree in Communication at Cleveland State University.”
“Colonel Bigenho has held a variety of positions during his 37-year career. During his junior officer years, he served as an engineer team leader, company executive officer, battalion F1, and the battalion maintenance officer.”
Col. Bigenho then gave a wonderful speech, sharing that “…all veterans have something in common. They all raised their right hand and solemnly swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
“Whether they have served only a few years, or 37 years, as I have, we are all prepared to serve our country, and, of course, even lay down our lives in her defense. We all have stories to tell.”
“My story begins growing up learning that my father served in World War II. I never learned much, as he didn’t really talk about it. But I knew it was something to be proud of, that he served our country.”
He then shared stories from his time in the service, as well as how that time impacted his life. “My experiences have instilled in me a sense of pride in serving my country as an officer of the United States Army and serving my community as a police officer.,” he shared.
“I value those veterans that came before me, encouraged to build our country and define what the United States represents around the world, a federal democracy, which in turn gives you the right to vote when you’re 18 years of age in free and fair elections, the right to speak your mind and civil discourse, and the freedom to practice your religion.”
“On Veterans Day, remember that those who have served, or are serving, our country has realized that in so doing, you’re serving something larger than yourself.”
“That they valued serving the greater good for peace, freedom, and equality. They’re able to forgo their own personal gain in favor of something that would benefit a larger entity.”
Col. Bigeho encouraged youths to go out and experience the “…sense of pride of contributing to something larger than yourself. Take maybe a small step, like volunteering at a local school, local food bank, or helping your elderly neighbor with yard work, or shoveling snow from their sidewalks. In school, participate in clubs that help the community.”
Riehle then bestowed a plaque upon COL Kevin Bigenho that had the following inscription:
“‘Hero’ is someone who has given their life to something bigger than themselves, and your light will shine forever in our hearts.”
