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POW VISITS CHS
By Lailah Moridzadeh, News Editor
The media had much coverage on the terrible ordeal-American soldiers
held captive in Kosovo during the war. Staff Sergeant Andrew Ramirez, 25, a
former prisoner of war, and Sergeant Paul Maas visited Chaffey and spoke about
their experience. |
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Sergeants Paul Maas and Andrew
Ramirez stand at ease while sharing theor experiences in Kosovo with
students. |
On December 7, the officers greeted three classes of students in Tiger
Auditorium.
Principal Brodie took the microphone first and began his presentation.
Mr. Santia came up next to give a short history lesson on the Kosovo war with
the assistance of Mrs. Peters, who provided further information.
Sgt. Ramirez stood in front of the large audience and began his story.
As he began talking, all students paid close attention. He began by explaining
the Army uniform and all of its significance. A star on his shoulder, he
explained, symbolizes the cold war. He continued by speaking of why he joined
the Army. He needed money for college and knew he could afford it if he spent a
couple years in the service. So far, however, he's served seven years.
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He was sent to Kosovo and was at the Observation Post (OP), keeping an
eye on the Serbs at the border. His companion warned him about Serbs coming
towards them. He tried to run and ended up turning left only to come face to
face with the Serbs. He was captured.
He was imprisoned for 32 days, not knowing whether he would live or
die. He knew if he were murdered, it wouldn't be good for the country, so he
felt somewhat safe. Communication was difficult consider-ing the Serbs knew
little English, and he didn't know their language at all.
Finally, he was released. The American government was pressuring their
hardest to set them free. He heard from family that the media was focused on
this issue, but when he actually was able to see it for himself, he was
dumbfounded. He had no idea his situation was as widely covered as it was. That
was positive reinforcement for him because it showed, "patriotism still
exists and never dies.
Still, after his life-threatening ordeal, he doesn't regret the
experience and even recommends others join the Army. He promotes the
organization: "I gained responsibility and leadership skills, and got more
money for college."
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