Kent Valley Hockey Association

Kent, WA November 9, 2007 - KVHA's Coach Mike Hodge shared his inspirational message with over 800 students and staff at Kent's Mill Creek Middle School as the school honored our Nation’s Veterans at a Friday morning assembly.  Coach Mike was introduced as “an American Hero.”  His talk centered on his military service as a U.S. Marine in Vietnam, freedom and his positive outlook on life.  Hodge referenced his military and battlefield experiences and encouraged students to set goals, develop plans and to have the courage to face future challenges.  Modifying a famous quote of President Kennedy, Coach Mike said: “Ask not what your school, your family and your community can do for you, ask what you can do for them.”  Hodge included some military history in his talk as he made reference to the British assault on Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812.  In a strong and emotional tone Hodge described how at the twilight of morning on September 14, 1814 Francis Scott Key observed that the Star Spangled Banner continued to fly over Ft. McHenry.  Hodge spoke of the courage and bravery of the soldiers within Ft. McHenry who fought and sacrificed so much to keep the great flag flying in spite of the constant bombardment, the “rockets red glare” and “bombs bursting in air.”  

Hodge concluded his talk with an emotional appeal to students asking that they appreciate the flag and what it means, and that they remember what has been sacrificed to preserve the great symbol of our freedom.  He ended his talk to a standing ovation.  Following the assembly, students lined up to shake hands with Mike Hodge, “an American Hero.”  It was an incredible talk, one that provided new meaning for Veteran’s Day for the students of Mill Creek Middle School…