Ghana Session: Veterans Day 2020

Just recently, Mr. Wronko and his students from Asbury Park High School along with Papa Williams and his students at the Solid Rock Foundation in Ghana had a video conference with two of the U.S. finest, First Lieutenant Sang “Sam” Han, U.S. Army National Guard and Petty Officer First Class Matthew Burd, U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.

Veterans Day 2020

Introducing our guests was Weldon A. Powell, Chief of Detectives for the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. Both guests gave a very enlightening session as they discussed what made them go into the National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve. Both stressed the hard work and training for these jobs. First Lieutenant Sang “Sam” Han also mentioned how he was stationed in Seoul South Korea and belonged to the aviation unit working with the Black Hawk helicopters. In addition, Matthew Burd spoke about working as a U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, being an EMT, and being a part of an environmental response team to help out people in Puerto Rico who were devastated by a hurricane.

Division of Criminal Justice

Both guests mentioned that now they were detectives for the Division of Criminal Justice. They explained that developing a strong work ethic in the National Guard and the Coast Guard allowed them to become excellent detectives. Throughout this session, Mr. Han and Mr. Burd answered numerous questions from Mr. Wronko’s students and Mr. Williams’ students in Ghana. The guests were very happy to be a part of their first Ghana Session and look forward to attending more.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Veronica Allende for introducing me to my new veteran guests. In addition, I would like to thank Mr. Powell,  Mr. Han, and Mr. Burd for video conferencing with my students and the students in Ghana especially during these rough times of a pandemic.

Student participation

Mr. Wronko’s students from Asbury Park High School, NJ: Jazier Crawford, Vaina Etienne, Luz Perez-Bautista, Dain Salazar, and Jaiden Tyler. All participated in this Ghana session along with Papa Williams and his students at the Solid Rock Foundation in Ghana.

Disclaimer from our guests:

The views we expressed during our meeting with your students were solely our own and not those of the N.J. Office of the Attorney General, N.J. Division of Criminal Justice, or the United States Government.