Veterans Visit Hazel Elementary School Class

A third grade class at received a lesson in service when three Vietnam veterans stopped by to share their experiences in the military.

V.F.W. Commander William Moore, Vanessa King, and Turner Moore — all members of the VFW Camptown Post #1941 in Irvington — talked about their service in the military during a visit to the school on Jan. 10.

But to one student, these military heroes are also family. Moore is the uncle of student Victoria Harris, and Commander Moore is her grandfather. He is also the recipient of the Purple Heart, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and Sharpshooter Medal.

Third grade teacher Phyllis Seibert said in an email that Harris was proud of her grandfather and eager to share him with the class.

During class, Commander Moore told the children how he was wounded as he saved the lives of two people.

"This is what impressed the students the most. They felt they were in the company of a real hero!" Seibert said in an email.