Asbury Park High School Presents: Veterans Day 2025

Just recently, all of Mr. David Wronko”s history classes hosted a Veterans Day celebration at Asbury Park High School.

2025 Veterans Day at Asbury Park High

During that celebration there were many guests that came to honor those who served the United States.

Tina Watson

Tina Watson, daughter of Tuskegee airman George Watson, came to all classes to conduct a lesson on how the Tuskegee program was developed and how Black American pilots became the ultimate hope for bombers carrying out their missions over a warzone Germany. In addition, Tina showed the students many pictures and belongings to her father such as his medals and Tuskegee airman jacket.

Bill Ward

New to Mr. Wronko’s Veterans Day lineup was Bill Ward. Bill Ward, a Vietnam Veteran, created a PowerPoint presentation on how Veterans Day evolved from Armistice Day. In addition, his presentation showed how U.S. military awards evolved throughout the different wars as well as his military career.

Patrick Gongora

Besides Bill Ward, new to Mr. Wronko’s Veterans Day lineup was Patrick Gongora. Mr. Gongora was a paratrooper. He informed the students about his duties and told them that he served in Desert Storm, Afghanistan, and the War in Iraq.

Wilbur V. Martin

Wilbur V. Martin returned once again to celebrate Veterans Day with Mr. Wronko’s classes. He told his new crowd of students about his paratrooper missions as well as being a proud Vietnam Veteran. Wilbur V. Martin had been working with Mr. Wronko now for over ten years.

George Reed

Along with Wilbur V. Martin, George Reed, Vietnam Veteran, took time out to speak to Mr. Wronko’s students about his experiences in the military. George Reed and Tina’s father, George Watson were great running partners which kept both in great shape to live very long lives.

Mrs. Elgart’s Chorus

Besides the long list of guests, Yvette Elgart’s chorus sang the National Anthem for the VFW guests. Mrs. Elgart always prepared her students in which they always performed with intensity and character. This day her students performed with intensity and character which was positively acknowledged by the veterans.

Mrs. Elgart’s Chorus

• Betzaira Garcia-Merino
• Jason Brooks
• Erionah Sample
• Danay Tacuba-Morales
• Ashley Nicholson
• Nahshon Johnson-Anderson
• Berenice Tepetetitla

Wilbur Martin’s thank you to the building principal

Wilbur V. Martin wanted to thank Asbury Park High School principal Dr. Medina for supporting the partnership between the VFW and Asbury Park High School.

PS: I would like to thank Dr. Medina and his support. Also I would like to thank Victoria LeGrande McMillian for her assistance in welcoming our guests.