Students at Uniontown school are 'Thunder' struck

OFF THE WIRE
By Mark Hofmann
DAILY COURIER

Rolling Thunder Inc., Chapter 5 Pennsylvania, made a visit to a Uniontown elementary school early last week to give students a presentation on Veterans Day.

"What you kids have done here today means an awful lot," said Stephen Corcoran, the chaplain for Rolling Thunder Chapter Five -- an organization of veterans and civilians established to spread the issue about prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Corcoran and others from Rolling Thunder took to their motorcycles and arrived at Hatfield Elementary School in Uniontown to speak about Veterans Day, their organization and patriotism.

"We take time to honor the brave men and women of the military who served and are serving to protect our country," Corcoran said before showing videos of soldiers and one about Rolling Thunder activities, including selling Duda's corn at the Fayette County Fair, collecting money to help veterans, visiting veteran hospitals and nursing homes and organizing a motorcycle rally to the Vietnam memorial in Washington every Memorial Day.

The visitors played a video of comedian Red Skelton on his classic television show, where he shared the meaning of the Pledge of Allegiance that a teacher he had shared with him when he was a child.

The entire school then participated in the pledge in the school's cafeteria.

"Thank you for educating us," said Hatfield Principal Edward Zelich, after the program when he received a POW/MIA flag from Rolling Thunder.

In return, Rolling Thunder received a collection of cards and letters from the students to give to military serving overseas. The students sent out 27 care packages to the troops.

"They all appreciate that," Corcoran said. "It's a little bit of home."