- Meyersdale Area School District
- Overview
Veterans Day program at MASD
MEYERSDALE - The Meyersdale Area School District will once again be hosting and honoring local veterans with a special program and luncheon on Friday, November 10, 2017. All three schools have been working diligently to plan a day that properly honors the bravery, service and sacrifice of our local veterans.
The first part of the day’s celebration will be held at the Meyersdale Area High School. Veterans are asked to arrive by 9:30 a.m. for light refreshments and to register with the high school office. The program is set to begin at 10:30 a.m. with the presentation of colors and musical performances by the Meyersdale Area High School Band. High School Principal John Wiltrout will welcome the veterans and the Girl and Boy of the Year, Chloe Rough and Ashton Kelly, will serve as the emcees of the event.
The guest speaker for the program will be Pastor Pete Kaltenbaugh. Kaltenbaugh is a Conemaugh Township graduate and attended Slippery Rock University, and the University of Maryland before graduating from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in elementary education. He went on to attend Bethany Theological Seminary where he graduated with a masters in Divinity. He was licensed to the ministry in 1966 and was ordained in 1974. However, his path to the pulpit was not a direct route.
After much soul-searching and contemplation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War. He completed Basic Training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and attended special training at Fort Devens. In 1969, he was sent to Turkey, where he served at two different military installations with the U.S. Army Security Agency. During his time in the military, Kaltenbaugh traveled extensively throughout the world, visiting 14 different countries. His work included electronic surveillance/espionage and he was charged with acquiring and disseminating information used to keep our country safe during the height of the Cold War.He was discharged as an E5 in 1971.
During his time in the U.S. Army, Kaltenbaugh returned home to his fiancee, Janice Brougher. They married and one week later went back to Turkey together. In Turkey, he continued serving in the Army's Security Agency and also became the Pastor of a local church. He and Janice have been married nearly 48 years and have two children, and four grandchildren.
Pastor Kaltenbaugh said his time serving his country proved pivotal as a young man and maintains his service remains an integral part of his life.
“The military was a grounding experience for me. I believe every person should serve their country in some way. It is a privilege to live here in the United States.”
Kaltenbaugh has served as the senior pastor at the Meyersdale Church of the Brethren for over 14 years with an outstanding team of pastors, Eric Shaulis, Mike Swick and Dottie Grew. He is proud to address the students, faculty and staff of the Meyersdale Area School District and is honored to play a role in honoring local veterans for their sacrifice and commitment to our country.
Following the program, veterans are invited to attend a luncheon in their honor, hosted by the Meyersdale Middle School. Held in the cafeteria, this program will include speakers and special music.
The halls of the school will be decorated in a patriotic theme by members of the student body, faculty and staff.
After the luncheon, veterans and guest are invited to the elementary gym for a sing-along with the elementary students at 1 p.m.
Veterans planning to attend are asked to make their luncheon reservations by Friday, November 3 by calling 634-1437 exte. 338 or 634-8311 ext. 323. Additionally, veterans and their guests are asked to bring their driver’s license or other photo identification due to the security system in place throughout the district.
This day honoring area veterans is a favorite of students, faculty and staff. We are appreciative of what these men and women have done and continue to do for our country and the Meyersdale Area School District is proud to honor their service.