WHEATLAND  –  – Between the home girls and boys basketball games against Buffalo, the spectators and players stopped to recognize Veterans for the annual Military Appreciation Night.
Veterans from all military branches from the county were invited to participate in the event. Names were read over the intercom while those present walked onto the floor. Active duty military were announced as well.
A special presentation recognized Luke Anderson for accepting his nomination for the Naval Academy. Anderson is a member of Saint Patrick’s church in Wheatland and so Air Force Veteran, Father Tom Kadera, presented his certificate. During the presentation, Kadera had to choke back tears as he extolled the virtues and accomplishments of Anderson. “Even though he made a mistake in choosing to go to the Naval Academy instead of the Air Force,” Kadera said with kind-hearted sarcasm.
To be eligible for any of the military academies, individuals must have a letter of recommendation from a state representative. Anderson received them from all three. He is the son of Mark and Sherri Anderson of Wheatland and will graduate this year.
He wishes to fly helicopters for the Navy someday.