Selena Stultz, 8th-grade homeroom reporter, interviewed Martinsville Middle School’s very own teacher and veteran, Mr. Tanner Sweitzer.
Branch of Military Service: United States Army
Years of Service: 12 years
What inspired you to join the military?
To pay for college.
What role did you serve in the Army?
Field artillery.
Where were you stationed while serving?
Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.
What was one daily routine that students today might find surprising?
Waking up every morning at 5:00 a.m. for formation.
What was the most challenging part of military life?
Getting little to no sleep.
What accomplishments from your service are you most proud of?
Being promoted to Sergeant.
What is a memory from your service that you will never forget?
Flying in a Blackhawk helicopter.
What does Veterans Day mean to you personally?
It’s a time to recognize all the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country.
Why is it important for students to learn the history and meaning behind Veterans Day?
So they understand the reason they have the freedoms they enjoy today.
How did your military service shape you as a teacher?
It taught me patience.
Are there lessons you learned in the military that you use in your classroom?
Yes—many of them, especially about structure and discipline.
What advice would you give students about the future?
If college doesn’t feel like the right path after high school, the military is a good option.
What do you hope future generations understand about the sacrifice of veterans?
Without our veterans, we wouldn’t have the freedoms we enjoy. Soldiers fought so we can live in peace.
Letters to Our Veterans
Semaiya Craighead, 6th-grade homeroom reporter, shared this heartfelt message:
Dear Veteran,
Because of you, I live in a free country. Your service means everything to our nation—whether you served last year, two decades ago, or even when John F. Kennedy was president. You risked your life so I could have a safe and free one. I have several family members who served, so Veterans Day isn’t just a holiday—it’s personal to me. Thank you for your service.
Sincerely,
Semaiya
Daleyza Vasquez, 6th-grade student, expressed her gratitude in the following letter:
Dear Veteran,
Thank you for being so strong, keeping our country safe, and leaving your family behind so that we can live without fear. You are amazing for enduring things that could be traumatic and still pushing forward. You are a true hero—someone who sacrifices so much for people you don’t even know. Your dedication inspires me to be strong.
Sincerely,
Daleyza
Adorian Hodge, 6th-grade student, wrote:
Dear Veteran,
Thank you for your service and bravery in protecting our country. Because of you, I want to serve in the military one day—just like my brother. Your example inspires me to be kind and courageous. You are a hero, and I am so thankful for you!
Sincerely,
Adorian
Sariyah Carter, 6th-grade student, shared her appreciation:
Dear Veteran,
Thank you for your service and for fighting for our freedom. I have always looked up to people like you. When I was eight, I wanted to join the Army, but now basketball is my passion. Still, I am grateful for everything you’ve done so we can live freely in this country.
Sincerely,
Sariyah
Viktoria Kriger-Sells, 6th-grade student, offered her thanks:
Dear Veteran,
Thank you for your service. Because of your bravery, we are able to live freely today. My mother and father are both veterans, so I know how much courage it takes to serve. I truly admire all of you.
Happy Veterans Day!
Viktoria
Martinsville Middle School students are deeply grateful to our veterans.
We will continue next week with more messages of appreciation for America’s heroes.
