Halstead Elementary, CCISD campuses honor first responders, military

By BRITTANY FHOLER 
Cove Leader-Press 

Students and volunteers at Hettie Halstead Elementary treated first responders to a breakfast and a performance honoring the work that they do for the community on Wednesday.
The breakfast was open to all first responders and soldiers, active duty and veterans as part of the Copperas Cove Independent School District’s set of events in honor of the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 
Several members of the Copperas Cove Police Department, Coryell County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Highway Patrol attended as did a retired veteran and a representative from the school’s Adopted Unit from Fort Hood, the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. 
“It means a lot, us being recognized for our service and the fact that the school wants to recognize what we do for the country and what we do for the school, being the adopted school, and how we volunteer for different events and help them out throughout the school year,” said 1st Lt. Corey Brown, with the , with the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division. 
On the significance of the 18th anniversary of 9/11, Brown said, “It’s just about coming together and appreciating the different services and appreciating what everyone did during that tragic time.”
Sgt. Kevin Miller, the public information officer for the Copperas Cove Police Department, said it was heartwarming and touching that the school district and particularly Hettie Halstead Elementary would do something for first responders and law enforcement. 
“On a day like today, where we’re just remembering everyone who gave their life in 2001, it’s very humbling,” Miller said. 
Miller said that on the 18th anniversary of that tragic day, he was reminded of the past and of how far the country and community has come. 
“It’s a time to honor the people of the past who gave all to do this job and that’s why we continue to do this job is to honor their memory,” he added. 
As they ate their breakfast of pancakes, eggs, and bacon, the honored guests were treated to messages of thanks by Sandra Ziehlke, the Parent and Family Engagement Coordinator at Hettie Halstead Elementary and by volunteer Erin Tucker and her son, Kayne, 9.
“I guess we don’t know how much we rely on our first responders until we need you,” Zielhke said. 
 Zielhke shared that her house had burned down three years ago. If it hadn’t been for the first responders, Zielhke said she didn’t know what she would have done. 
“You were there without any hesitation, you were there for me and my family. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you all do,” Zielhke said. 
Tucker shared that four years ago, her life got turned upside down when she found her son face down in their pool. The first responders that arrived at her house helped save her son’s life, she said. 
“So, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for what you do. It matters.” Tucker said.