Latest news with #GERIGIBBONS
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Scranton on Memorial Day: Pausing to remember the fallen
SCRANTON — At Monday's Memorial Day service at Veterans Memorial Park, Master of Ceremonies Bill Stevens began his remarks reminding those attending of all the things Memorial Day is not. The holiday, he said, is not simply a chance to kick off the summer season with mattress sales, a cookout or the opening of your swimming pool. Instead, it serves as a day to remember the men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who died in military service to their country. Its meaning he said, is steeped in honor and sacrifice. 'These people had an impact on the entire world.' he said. 'Remembering them is a small, but important, gesture.' * Military veterans cheer during a Memorial Day event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park, Scranton, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Area residents salute the American flag at a Memorial Day service Monday at Veterans Memorial Park. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Boy Scout Rhys Otto, of Boy Scout Troop 16, leads the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance at a Memorial Day ceremony Monday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Bill Stevens, Master of Ceremonies for Memorial Day services in Scranton Monday, addresses the crowd. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * A crowd gathers at Veterans Memorial Park Monday to commemorate Memorial Day. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * David Ratzel and Billy Ratzel, stand near a memorial wall at the city's Veterans Memorial Park Monday. The two are family members of Wesley Ratzel, who was shot down over North Vietnam in May of 1972. His remains weren't returned to his family until 1989. He was honored at the Memorial Day service, along with other veterans who lost their lives in service. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Military veterans salute the American flag at Memorial Day services at Veterans Memorial Park Monday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 7 Military veterans cheer during a Memorial Day event Monday at Veterans Memorial Park, Scranton, (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Remembering a local hero Capt. Wesley Ratzel, a graduate of the former Scranton Central High School is one of those men, Stevens said. Ratzel was a member of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Da Nang, South Vietnam. On May 18, 1972, he was the pilot of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter on a mission near Kep, Ha Bac Province, North Vietnam, when his plane was shot down. But, North Vietnam didn't let America know if he was alive or dead. For 17 years, his family believed he was a prisoner of war. Vietnam didn't return his remains until December 1988. It took another six months before U.S. military officials confirmed the remains were his and they were returned to his family. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Ratzel had always wanted to be an astronaut and to fly a plane. His military service as a pilot allowed him to fulfill part of that dream, Stevens said. His brother, David Ratzel, placed a memorial wreath at the monument reading — Those who gave their all. Forever remembered. — before addressing the crowd. He encouraged attendees to take time to thank veterans for their service to their country. Elizabeth Saylor, Wesley Ratzel's niece, remembers when her uncle went missing — she was in second grade. The family would not find out he had died until Saylor was about to get married. It was a great burden for all those years, she said. Saylor said the family found out only weeks ago her uncle would be honored. She credits Stevens with making it possible. Including the next generation Stew Thorp, assistant leader of Boy Scout Troop 16, brought scouts out to the event as a support to the community. One of the scouts raised the American flag. Another led the Pledge of Allegiance. The scouts took time to interact with veterans and members of the community, even handing out the event's programs. 'We always want to help,' Thorp said.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Johnson College hosts open house for aspiring students
SCRANTON — Johnson College of Technology senior Ryan Boyanowski remembers attending an open house event at the school when he was in high school. Boyanowski was considering enrolling in the school's Electrical Construction Technology program, but was anxious because he did not have any experience in the field and would be starting from scratch. Boyanowski got his answer to those questions and others at the open house and will soon be graduating from the program. On Saturday, he volunteered at the college's open house to help other aspiring students get their answers to questions they might have. Lucas Fein, also a senior in the Electrical Construction Technology program, said he looked around at those attending the open house event and thought, 'That's me again.' When asked why he chose Electrical Construction Technology, Fein credits his mother. 'She knew I could solve puzzles,' he said. 'She thought it would be a good fit.' * Johnson College staff fields questions from community parents at an Open House event held Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, greets those attending an open house at Johnson College Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Johnson College seniors Lucas Fein and Ryan Boyanowski talk electricity at Saturday's open house. The two are majoring in Electrical Construction Technology (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) * Johnson College Senior Lucas Fein shares information on programming with high school senior Lucas Hall and his father, Robert. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Show Caption 1 of 4 Johnson College staff fields questions from community parents at an Open House event held Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO) Expand Overcoming obstacles Bill Burke, Vice President of Enrollment and Student Affairs, said part of the college's secret to success is meeting the needs of each student. More than half of about 700 students are first generation who benefit from inspiration and information provided by college staff. 'We know each and every student,' he said. College President Katie Pittelli said the college is all about hands-on learning and preparation for future employment. 'It's not just a classroom,' she said. 'Students are fully engaged.' Open house events, held three times a year, provide a chance for potential students to ask questions and determine if Johnson College is right for them. Kyla Pedley, Associate Director of Special Programs, said the college works to meet the needs of students so they can succeed academically. For example, the college has been designated a Hunger-Free Campus through a grant with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to address students' food security needs. Those with concerns about food security can go to the college's Community Hub to discuss options available to them. The college also hosts a community meal about once a month. Pedley said the college's special programs, including the Parent Pathway Program and the RISE program, connects students with resources. Doug Cook, Senior Director of College Advancement, said the college seeks to help students' find their niche, to equip them for their future careers.
