Building trades class donates to Camp Hope

The main mess hall table constructed by the Perryville Career and Techology Center building trades class can accommodate a hungry crowd and is wheel-chair accessible. Pictured with the tables are instructor Joel Kurre, students Brandon Warner, Curtis Braswell, Aaron Mayfield, Tyler Rash and Dennis Mills, adult student Greg Goninan holding daughter Willow, Perryville Mayor Debbie Gahan and Mike White, founder of Camp Hope.

Students from the building trades class at Perryville Area Career and Technology Center took a special field trip Saturday to a place that brings hope to combat-wounded military men and women.

The students went to Camp Hope in Farmington, where they donated 6 outdoor tables, 36 benches and a dining table for the main lodge, which was dedicated during a special April 14 ceremony.

Camp Hope is located on Chris Neal Farm and is a labor of love for the parents of Marine PFC Christopher Neal White.

Chris joined the US Marine Corp in May 2005 and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, I Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Pendelton. Eight months later, he deployed to Iraq. One June 20, 2006, he and four other Marines were riding in the last Humvee in a convoy traveling through Al-Anbar Province when an IED exploded under their vehicle. Chris, who was a machine gunner, and 3 other Marines were killed.

Chris left behind his parents Mike and Galia and his brother Michael, who is just 11 months older than Chris.

The family welcomed the Perryville students with joy and deep gratitude for their donation.

"The tables and benches are beautiful and we needed them so much," Galia said. "We're so happy that the students could join us for the dedication and see how their donation will impact the veterans we serve."

Building trades instructor Joel Kurre and Career Center director Steve King accompanied the students to the dedication, and they were joined by Perryville Mayor Debbie Gahan.

"Our students heard about Camp Hope and constructed outdoor tables and benches for the decks and recreational areas," Kurre said. "They also built a large dining table for the main mess hall. We wanted to come to the dedication so we could meet the White family and the veterans who use the lodge and cabins. They've made such sacrifices for our nation; we wanted to thank them."

The building trades students who worked on the tables and benches are from Perryville, St. Vincent, Ste. Genevieve, Valle, and Meadow Heights High Schools as well as adult students.

They were Jared Cook, Joshua Douglas, Stephen Ernst, Jonathan Heuring, Tyler Rash, Cody Slaght, Pablo Trejo, Devin Blandford, Jake Flentge, Gregory Goninan, Lucas Hotop, Robert Kiefer, Zachary Riehn, Ethan Schremp, Jordan Thieret, Curtis Braswell, Joshua Conwell, Taylor Hlavek, Dillon Kiefer, Johnathan Love, Aaron Mayfield, Brandon Warner, Tyler Campbell, Brian Carroll, Kyle Figge, Dennis Mills, Terry Moon and Bryce Orf.

Materials were donated by Buchhiet Inc. and David Werner, and the students purchased about $200 of materials including screws and lumber.

"Camp Hope is really cool," Mayfield said. "I think it's pretty amazing what they are doing for veterans. I'm glad that I got to see the camp and meet Chris White's family."

Braswell added, "I'm so impressed that so many people are supporting such a good cause. It made me feel good to be part of this. They were all so grateful for the tables and benches. I'm so glad we built them."

For more photos, visit the Perry County School District 32 Website at www.perryville.k12.mo.us and select the Camp Hope story under the Headlines banner. A photo gallery is included with the article.