By Marisa Dawson

The Bennington American Legion Post 266 brought the community together Sunday, November 8, for a Veterans Day dinner honoring those who served and recognizing the next generation of civic leaders.

Guests enjoyed a meal catered by Farmhouse Cafe before three local veterans were recognized for their service during the Vietnam War era. The presentations included Vietnam veteran recognition pins and Quilts of Valor, honoring the men for their military service and sacrifice.

Those recognized were Charles Dent, U.S. Navy; John Snyder, U.S. Army; and Tony Zabawa, U.S. Army (pictured above from left to right, receiving their pins).

The Quilts of Valor Foundation began in 2003, inspired by founder Catherine Roberts’ vision of providing comfort and healing to service members affected by war. The organization works through volunteers nationwide to present handcrafted quilts as a lasting expression of gratitude and recognition.

The foundation’s mission is “to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor.” Each quilt is individually labeled and presented as a lifetime award, recognizing the recipient’s service and sacrifice.

Below: Charles Dent, John Snyder, and Tony Zabawa receive their quilts.

For many Vietnam-era veterans, that recognition carries particular significance. As Post 266 Commander Merlin Kay explained during an earlier presentation, the Legion works to ensure veterans receive the acknowledgment they may not have received when they returned home decades ago.

Following the awards, attention turned to three students who shared their experiences attending leadership and educational programs sponsored by the American Legion and Auxiliary.

Josie Turner and Logan Fabian, both students at Bennington High School, attended Cornhusker Girls State, while Harry Morgan of Millard North High School participated in Cornhusker Boys State and the Junior Law Cadet Program.

Cornhusker Girls State and Boys State are weeklong educational programs that give high school students firsthand experience with government, leadership and civic responsibility.

Rather than simply studying how government works in a classroom, participants take on the roles of citizens and public officials in simulated communities, holding elections, campaigning for office, participating in legislative and judicial activities, and working through issues that affect their communities.

Participants could campaign for state positions, including governor and attorney general, while also attending daily educational sessions featuring speakers and discussions about government and civic responsibility.

For Turner, one of the most valuable parts of the experience was gaining a broader understanding of Nebraska’s agricultural economy and connecting with students from communities very different from her own.

Growing up in the suburbs, she said she had limited exposure to the agricultural side of Nebraska’s economy. She was surprised to discover that she was among the minority of participants who came from schools with graduating classes of more than 100 students.

“It was really interesting to hear about their perspective and how they grew up and how they viewed the world,” Turner said.

Looking back, Turner said the experience gave her a much stronger appreciation for government, the state’s economy and her own role as a citizen.

“I gained a much deeper understanding and respect for our government, our state economy, and I now have a much more developed perspective of my role as a citizen,” she said.

Morgan (pictured below) also described a week filled with hands-on learning at Boys State, where he was assigned to Yorktown and ultimately elected town judge. That position placed him on the program’s judicial track, giving him opportunities to participate in mock trials, court proceedings and judicial decisions.

One of his biggest takeaways was learning how laws can be interpreted in different ways and understanding the role that interpretation and argument play within the judicial branch. He also had the opportunity to visit the Nebraska State Capitol and Supreme Court, including areas behind the scenes where judges work.

“It was cool to see where decisions are made that affect all of us,” Morgan said.

The experience also included presentations from prominent state and national leaders. Morgan particularly remembered hearing from former U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, who spoke about artificial intelligence, the changing economy, personal responsibility and preparing for an uncertain future. Sasse’s discussion of his cancer diagnosis and the importance of faith, family and perseverance left a lasting impression on Morgan.

“Watching a man who doesn’t have a lot of time left speak in front of you in a way that he did really changed my outlook on life a little bit,” Morgan said.

Morgan said the program helped him better understand the importance of participating in government rather than simply observing it from the outside. He also valued meeting students from across Nebraska, particularly those from smaller communities whose experiences and perspectives differed from his own.

Morgan also attended the Junior Law Cadet Program, a separate two-day experience in Grand Island that offered a closer look at law enforcement.

The Nebraska American Legion’s Junior Law Cadet Program gives selected high school students an opportunity to explore the responsibilities and training involved in law enforcement. Hosted at the Nebraska State Patrol Training Academy, the program includes instruction and hands-on activities involving police work, investigations, firearms, emergency vehicle operations and other aspects of public safety.

Morgan said the experience began with a structured introduction to the program before opening up to more extensive training and demonstrations. One of his favorite activities was getting behind the wheel of a police vehicle and navigating a driving course.

While the activities were exciting, Morgan said the opportunity also provided a more serious understanding of the responsibilities and challenges officers face. Several officers shared personal experiences involving dangerous situations and the difficult realities of serving in law enforcement.

He said he particularly appreciated learning about both the practical and legal sides of police work. Morgan thanked Post 266 and those who helped make the opportunities possible.

Sunday’s dinner offered a reminder of that commitment, bringing together recognition of those who have served and an investment in young people who will help shape their communities in the years ahead.