Central’s Veterans Club held a discussion with Richard Bain, Iraq War veteran and assistant principal at Madison Junior High on April 19. The attendees spoke with Bain about his experience as a veteran, in hopes to find ways to support veterans in our area. 

During the discussion, Bain shared his experiences regarding the constant reminder of death and the loss of his friends from the war. Some of these stories were hard to swallow for those in attendance, driving some to be emotional. 

“Bain’s story was heavy,” senior co-president Lily Krumins said. “It made me sad to hear it, but it only made me want to help more.” 

The club noticed that veterans from the Vietnam and Korean wars get more attention, and wanted to make sure veterans of more recent wars like Iraq and Afghanistan aren’t forgotten. This was one of their reasons for talking to Bain: to find a way to make sure every story is heard. 

“We wanted to make sure that we’re not under covering [any veterans],” senior co-president Luciana Fascia said. “Any good organization wants to cover all people and hear about their experiences.” 

The club recently partnered with the Naperville chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), visiting multiple local nursing homes like Independence Village and Story Point. They also attended the VFW’s weekly meetings to hear veterans’ stories. 

Bain gave more ideas on ways the club could help like partnering with other school districts to create a larger platform for their club. Bain also put into perspective how important it is to help give veterans a voice. 

“There are Vietnam veterans who finally get a chance to speak,” Bain said. “(Veterans) are starting to feel like their voices have a place. Make yourselves available, be that venue where we can reach out.” 

Their club is now trying to do more to help these individuals. 

“We mentioned working with the American Legion and trying to attend local military parades in surrounding towns,” Fascia said. “We are a school organization, but we are not limited to just the school. We hope to spread the word to even just friends and families to show it’s important to recognize these people.”