Eagle Scout project adds POW-MIA chair at O’Neill stadium
On National POW-MIA Day, Friday, Sept. 16, about 100 people gathered alongside the Waldo Wood Field at O’Neill High School to participate in a dedication ceremony for an Eagle Scout project. The project, by Boy Scout Chad Haley, was the placement of a POW-MIA Honor Chair next to the field’s bleachers.
Haley hosted the ceremony, with the assistance of former O’Neill Athletic Director Debbi Crowe, and his parents, Col. Chad and Debbie Haley. On hand to watch were Highland Falls-Fort Montgomery Central School District officials, the O’Neill varsity football and soccer teams, the school’s cheerleaders, and other community residents and friends of the Haley Family.
“We gather here together to dedicate this POW-MIA Honor Chair in honor and recognition of the sacrifices of those who have been prisoners of war and to remind the nation of those Americans who are still missing in action,” Haley said in his welcome. “This unoccupied chair honors the courage of those service members who are listed as POWs or remain missing in action.”
He noted that over 81,900 Americans are still classified as missing from World War II, Vietnam War, Korean War, the Cold War and other conflicts.
The Honor Chair sits on a slight hillside between the bleachers and concession stand. Haley created the cement pad for it, and installed iron posts and a chain around the seat. It also has built-in flag holders; the American flag, POW-MIA flag and New York State flag were flying behind it at the ceremony.
He told the story of how in doing the work he was at Lowe’s picking up supplies and met a former prisoner of war.
“I met Mr. John in Aisle 5 at Lowe’s when I was getting some supplies,” Haley said. “He flew as a pilot in Vietnam, just like my grandfather did. What were the odds that we would meet a POW while working on a POW-MIA Honor Chair?”
Haley said he invited his new friend to last week’s ceremony, but he did not attend.
“He shared how he was not welcomed by his fellow Americans when he returned home from Vietnam and did not believe his country cared about him or his service,” Haley continued.
He added that John’s family was issued a death certificate for him before he returned to the U.S., and that his name was even inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington DC.
To him, Haley said “Mr. John, please know that I, and all of us here today do honor your sacrifice and we do thank you for your service. We will not forget you or the patriots who were willing to give their all to preserve and protect our freedoms.”
A couple of interesting notes from the ceremony:
— The soccer team, of which Chad’s twin brother Luke is a member, wasn’t expected to be at the ceremony, but they were in the middle of a practice on the field, stopped for the National Anthem (sung by members of the O’Neill Select Choir) and then made their way up to the ceremony.
— Orange County Legislator Mike Anagnostakis, a senior aide to Senator James Skoufis, was on hand to present Haley with a certificate of merit, and spoke for a moment, saying veteran events and Eagle Scout events were his favorite types of ceremonies to attend. He praised Haley for taking on the project, and paid tribute to those who lost their lives for this country and to those who served. “This project will help people who had POW-MIAs in their lives feel a little peace,” he said.
— Crowe also thanked Haley as well, saying he did “an outstanding job and worked very hard over the summer”. “What a great addition this is to our beautiful facility,” she said. “We are honored to have it here.”
— Haley also thanked his Scout advisor on the project, Highland Falls’ Steve Monaghan, not only for his labor on the project, but his dedication to helping scouts attain the rank of Eagle Scout.
He closed by reminding all in attendance that they were part of something bigger than a chair dedication at O’Neill High School on that day; ceremonies were being held around the world.
“By being here today, you and I are part of a global effort to bring recognition to this noble mission and to remind families of this special category of brave patriots that they are truly not forgotten,” he said.
