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WWII vet opens the eyes of junior high students
Dr. F. Willard Robinson, a former Avenger torpedo pilot for the United States Navy during World War II, spoke to students at the Mountain Home Junior High Veteran's Day Assembly Thursday.
Robinson wrote two books that will soon become feature-length motion pictures, "Navy Wings of Gold" and "Beverly Hills Principal."
Following his military service, Robinson returned to the University of Southern California to earn his doctoral degree in Education Administration and Philosophy. For three decades, Dr. Robinson worked in physical education as a teacher and as a secondary school administrator.
Robinson told the children about his World War II experiences and talked about stories that are featured in his book "Navy Wings of Gold."
Robinson told the students about his early days as a college student in Fairbanks, Alaska and how a visiting Army Air Corps pilot convinced him to become a pilot. "It was very appealing to me, because I wouldn't be able to fly without help."
Robinson would later become the first government trained pilot in the territory of Alaska.
When Dec. 7, 1941, came, Robinson enrolled as a naval aviation cadet. "I just wondered how pilots who never flew got through. I got through without too much trouble, because I never told them I was a commercial pilot."
Robinson became a member of a 30-member torpedo pilot program, which was rare, because pilots mainly flew dive bombers or fighters.
Robinson would be a part of another aviation first, becoming one of the first pilots to fire air-to-ground missiles from an airplane.
Robinson discussed stories on five soldiers, that he featured in "Navy Wings of Gold," John E. Jaqua (Major, USMCR), William Barnett (Lt., USNR) Albert K. Earnest (Captain, USN), Nathaniel Adams (Lt., USNR). and Leonard Muskin (Lt., USNR)
Jaqua, was part of a Marine bombing squadron for control of the Soloman Islands.
Barnett, was a Black Widow PBY scout and rescue squadron that saved a U.S. Marine pilot off Rabaul.
Earnest, was the sole pilot of the 24 planes from Torpedo Squadron 8 to return after the Battle of Midway.
Muskin, was an Avenger pilot from the carrier Essex and his torpedo hit on the Musashi, the largest battleship in the world, helped sink that ship, the sister ship of the Yamato.
Adams, played a part in the rescue of a 20-year-old Grumman Avenger bomber pilot named George Herbert Walker Bush. Adams gives the only eyewitness account ever published of that action, in Robinson's book.
Following Robinson's presentation, "Taps" was played by Andrew Smith.
Connor Tuttle gave a poignant speech to the audience, closing with, "I want you to remember the people who passed, fighting for you."
During the assembly, Hoye recognized Chlesea Wegryzniak, Nicholas Cruz, Karla Rogers and Mr. Starkey (who teaches Computer/Technology Applications).
Together, they provided information concerning Veteran's Day history, a poem given to World War II soldiers and a story behind the Veteran's poppies (little paper flowers sold by the American Legion and Auxiliary with proceeds benefiting veteran's programs -- most of the proceeds going to the VA hospital in Boise).
The information gathered was featured on a broadcast of the Junior High Student News.
Hoye also recognized Tuttle, Smith, Natalie Campbell (who gave the welcome speech), and Alexis Rios (who introduced Robinson).
The students, after the assembly, all shared the same inspirational sentiment,
" I think it was interesting, it was informative, how they stood up for us. " said Tanya Smith, whose uncle Troy Rasmussen is now stationed in Iraq.
"I think it was so cool, all the pictures of the airplanes were great, and what he said was so inspiring," said Tanya Guaddarama.
"I think it was really inspirational, learning how those brave soldiers risked their lives for us." said Jacquie Binion, whose father Ralph Binion III, is now stationed in Iraq.
"I think it was inspirational, knowing how they made differences in the world," said Alyssa Sato. Her father, Richard, is in the USAF.
"It was a great assembly, I learned how much of an inspiration these soldiers were," said Austin Rasmussen. His father, Chris, and grandfather are retired air force.
"It was one of the best assemblies we've had so far. It was real educational," said Robby Pack, whose grandfather, Floyd Keisel, is a veteran of World War II.
"It was very inspirational. The stories he told were pretty in-depth and in such detail that you felt like you were there," said Chelsi Stinnett, whose grandfather is retired Navy/Air Force).
"It was one of the best assemblies we've had. The stories he told were real inspirational," said Jesse Pugh, whose grandfather was an Army infantry veteran.
Ernest Elliott, the junior high principal, praised the assembly, and how well the students acted for Robinson,
"The kids were awesome. This group of kids rock. I'm excited to have the opportunity to do things like this. I was honored that Dr. Robertson can be here to share with us."
Robinson enjoyed his time at MHJHS,
"It was five star all the way, a bunch of great kids, this brought back a lot of memories."
"I think the kids were absolutely outstanding, and the choir was really wonderful," said Robinson's wife, Joan.
"It was awesome. I think it made the point on what Veteran's Day is and why it is a day to celebrate," said Michele Hoye, math teacher and lead organizer for the assembly.