This year, Columbia Middle School’s popular elective class, CMS Outreach, continues to thrive as a hub for community service and kindness. First introduced in the fall of 2020, the program has grown significantly, now offering two sessions each marking period to accommodate the increasing demand from 7th and 8th graders eager to make a difference.
Led by CMS teachers Christina Froehlich and Belinda Healey, CMS Outreach provides students with opportunities to design and implement service projects that address specific community needs. This marking period, the focus was on supporting local veterans, culminating in meaningful events that brought the school and the community together. "Serving the veteran community this quarter was a meaningful experience for our students,” Froehlich and Healey shared. "They worked in small groups to tackle various aspects of the projects, resulting in a comprehensive and impactful program.”
On January 16, CMS Outreach students hosted a breakfast for the members of VFW Post 6259, joined by Mayor Angie Devanney. The event featured donated bagels and coffee from Craft Bagels, a $50 gift card from ShopRite for supplies, and various games, including bingo with CMS swag as prizes. Students also presented handmade cards and proceeds from a bake sale to the VFW, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and gratitude.
Earlier in the week, students organized a Lunch and Learn event in the CMS Media Center, inviting local veterans and relatives of staff to share their personal stories of service. The event gave students a glimpse into the lives and sacrifices of those who have served, sparking curiosity and a deeper appreciation for their contributions.
Veteran Stories Inspire Students
Among the speakers was Mr. Reilly, who graduated high school in 1961 and enlisted in the Army during the Cold War. Stationed in West Germany, he recounted enduring a harrowing Atlantic crossing on a WWII troop ship and participating in jeep races during company events. Reflecting on his service, Mr. Reilly emphasized the personal growth and camaraderie he gained.
Thomas Butler, a United States Marine and Vietnam War veteran, shared his compelling journey of service. Butler recounted his decision to join the Marine Corps in 1966 after receiving notice of his draft eligibility. Determined to finish college before serving, he outmaneuvered the draft board by enlisting in the Marines and entering Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia. There, he endured grueling training designed to prepare leaders for combat. After graduating, Butler specialized in air support, controlling airstrikes in Vietnam, where he served for 13 months beginning in June 1968. Reflecting on his time in the military, Butler noted the challenges, including injuries from shrapnel and lasting health issues caused by exposure to Agent Orange. Despite these hardships, he emphasized his commitment to duty, inspired by the legacy of service within his family and community. Butler’s post-military career spanned 35 years in global transportation, and he continues to share his experiences to honor fellow veterans and inspire future generations.
Mr. Hetherington's journey into the military was deeply influenced by the legacy of his family. His grandfather and father had served, and as a young man, he was fascinated by the idea of following in their footsteps. Growing up in Arizona, where his high school years lacked much diversity, he was excited by the prospect of joining the Army and being exposed to a broad range of people and experiences. Interested in science and medicine, he enlisted with the goal of becoming a medic, though he soon realized that recruiters don’t always fully disclose all the opportunities available. Despite the challenges of basic training, Mr. Hetherington adapted quickly, learning to work as part of a team and to be patient—an essential skill in the military. After basic training, he was sent to learn the specific skills of a combat medic. His time in Germany brought even more growth as he served with a Medical Company, an air ambulance unit. He flew in helicopters, helped with maintenance, and performed essential medic duties, all while learning valuable life lessons. Although he considered pursuing a career in civilian medicine, Mr. Hetherington’s military experiences left a lasting impact on him, shaping his future in ways he never anticipated.
Sgt. Trent Fettes of the BerkeleyHeights Police Department has had a career marked by discipline, service, and dedication. A lifelong resident of Berkeley Heights, he grew up here and worked in his family’s business before joining the Berkeley Heights Fire Department. His life took a pivotal turn following the tragic events of 9/11, which deeply affected him as a firefighter at the time. Feeling compelled to serve in a new way, he enlisted in the Marine Corps, inspired by his family's military history, which includes service in World War II and the post-Vietnam era. After completing boot camp at Parris Island and further training, Sgt. Fettes was stationed in Kings Bay, Georgia, where he guarded nuclear weapons for submarines. He then transferred to an infantry unit based in Hawaii, where he spent time preparing for a deployment to Afghanistan. During his five months in Afghanistan, Sgt. Fettes led his squad in protecting bases, running convoys, and conducting operations such as the first helicopter assault since the Vietnam War. After returning from deployment, he transitioned to law enforcement, inspired by his military background and mentorship from a close friend in the Berkeley Heights Police Department. Sgt. Fettes continues to serve his community with pride and is committed to sharing his military experiences with others.
Mr. Hietala, also pursuing a career in law enforcement following his military service, shared his story with the engaged students. Hietala's journey toward becoming a police officer is one of resilience, discipline, and passion. Raised in a large family of nine children, he worked at a local fast food restaurant in high school, where an encounter with a kind police officer inspired him to pursue a career in law enforcement. After high school, Hietala joined the Army as a Military Policeman, making him one of the few to directly choose his military role at the time. His service took him to various places, including a stint in Vietnam, where his duties extended beyond traffic and into the heart of a combat zone. After returning home, he continued his military service and eventually moved to New Jersey, where he transitioned to civilian law enforcement. He spent 34 years as a police officer in Springfield, always loving the work he did. Throughout his career, Hietala balanced his job with his education, earning degrees while working full-time. He credits his success to the discipline instilled in him early on, both from his military experience and his family, and believes that if you love what you do, you’re set for a fulfilling life.
"Hearing their stories made me realize how much our veterans sacrifice and how much we can learn from their experiences,” said one student attendee.
