AMS honors veterans at ceremony

Alcoa Middle School honored veterans for Veterans Day with a breakfast and ceremony that brought students, faculty and veterans together. Chief Warrant Officer 3 Daniel Backus, a graduate of Alcoa High School, was the guest speaker.Backus has served 16 years in the Tennessee National Guard with a career in Army aviation. As a UH-60 Black Hawk maintenance test pilot, he ensures aircraft are ready for missions. He spoke about medical evacuations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park as well as his service in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and recent deployment to Kosovo.This veteran told students he had no idea while in high school that his path would lead to military service. He talked about being part of a team and how to be a good friend.AMS recognized four honored guests on this day, whose service spanned four conflicts. Master Sgt. Donald Price served in Vietnam; Master Sgt. John Cogburn represented Operation Desert Storm; Sgt. Chris Burchfield served in Afghanistan; and Sgt.

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