Decorated Iraq veteran speaks at Cape school

Sgt. Robert Wake Sr., a decorated veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, spoke to students and staff at the Central Junior High School Veterans Day assembly.

Wake received his Purple Heart on July 4, 2004, in Baghdad. In honor of Veterans Day, he is visiting schools across the state to promote a campaign called "The Power of 11 Cents" to raise funds which will be donated to the Missouri Military Family Relief Fund. This fund assists Missouri National Guard and Reserve families who face unexpected financial hardships as a result of deployment of family members to protect the freedoms of the United States.

Local VFW Post 3838 members attended the presentation and posted the colors. Veterans representing World War II included Color Guard Cmdr. Clemon Crain; Melvin Kuehle, Bud Hager, and Gordon Galbreath; from the Korean War were Fred Schmidt, Louie King, and Bob Wade; and from Operation Desert Storm was Sheila Holloway. Herb Nance, a WWII veteran, took photos for the post.

"The Power of 11 Cents" raised $179.87 at Central Junior High School. Students shook hands and spoke with Wake and other veterans before returning to class. To donate to the campaign, send contributions to:

Missouri Military Family Relief Fund

Missouri National Guard

J1/SSP-N

Attn: SFC MELISSA D. IRELAND

2302 Militia Drive

Jefferson City, Mo. 65101