Crescent-News.com - Tinora honors Lehman at poignant veterans program

Photo By Karen Sierer/C-N

Defiance resident Jim "Santa Claus" Lehman receives his high school diploma from Tinora High School principal Phil Nofziger during a Veterans Day recognition program. Lehman dropped out of the former Jewell High School in 1953 to enlist in the U.S. Army and served as an infantryman in the Korean War.

By JACK PALMER

palmer@crescent-news.com

JEWELL -- Tinora High School recognized veterans with a free breakfast and poignant program Monday, with one honoree receiving a special salute.

Korean War veteran Jim Lehman, who dropped out of the former Jewell High School in 1953 to enlist in the U.S. Army, was presented his diploma from THS principal Phil Nofziger.

"People always told me I was a slow learner," Lehman quipped afterwards.

Lehman's self-deprecating humor failed to mask his pride and even a few tears in accepting his diploma in front of his family, fellow veterans and Northeastern Local students and staff.

"This means so much to him," said Lehman's wife, Betty. "He always regretted not staying in school. He will cherish this diploma. It will occupy a special place in our home."

Lehman served as an infantryman in the Korean War. After returning from service, he worked for 40 years at Johns Manville until his retirement in 1995. He is a member of VFW Post 3360 and its honor guard, DAV Chapter 36, Eagles Aerie 372 and Trinity United Methodist Church. He and his wife have three sons, Jim, Lima; Jerry, Minnesota; and Jeff, Montpelier.

Lehman admitted being surprised when told of the diploma plans a few days ago by fellow Korean War veteran Kenny Morris, former VFW 3360 commander.

"I couldn't believe it," said Lehman. "I'm very appreciative to the people at Tinora school. I'm humbled by all this attention."

After receiving the diploma, Lehman told district students to "give the guys here a hand for making this country the way it is."

"He's always been close to kids from always playing Santa Claus and being a Boy Scout leader for 47 years," said his wife. "He always tells them to work hard to get good grades and stay in school."

The program, held in the Alan R. Moore gymnasium, also included short talks by Morris and Darcy Lehman, adjutant of Fort Defiance Chapter 643 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart. Lehman was wounded in Korea in 1951.

Morris stated that more than 36,500 Americans were killed and more than 100,000 wounded in the Korean War, which ran from 1950-53.

"The Korean War has sometimes been called the forgotten war," said Morris. "But we have not forgotten."

Other program participants were the VFW 3360 color guard, teacher Brenda Arps and students Alex Behrman, Robbie Schelling, Clay Norden, Audra Westrick, Staci Hiler, Ethan Stykemain and Jon Gerken; Matt Fedderke and Travis Loshe played taps. The vocal group "Sensations" sang the national anthem.

Arps presented a poignant multi-media salute to veterans, which included an interview with district students and Rolland Desautels, whose late brother was a Korean War MIA for many years. The students, ranging from elementary grades to high school, gave their personal thoughts on "What's a veteran?" and "What would you say to a veteran?"

The 75-minute program was preceded by a breakfast in the school's multi-purpose room.