Colfax, Mingo-area vets honored at annual Veterans Day event

COLFAX — Iraq War veteran Miyoko Hikiji was excited to see the Colfax-Mingo Boy Scout Troop at community school district’s Veterans Day celebration Wednesday morning. It was a care package the former Iowa Army National Guard member received from a group of Colorado Boy Scouts during her 403-day tour from 2003 to 2004, she said, that was a reminder for whom she was fighting.

“It meant a lot to me at the time because somewhere back in a classroom, back in a community center, there was a group of kids who were thinking about me,” Hikiji said. “And that was some motivation and positive support during a very difficult time.”

Hikiji spoke following a processional honoring and introducing 33 Colfax, Mingo and central Iowa vets in attendance — each service member walking in behind the flag from their respective branch of the military while the C-M High School band played the anthems from the U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard.

The C-M Elementary and Jr/Sr High School student bodies along with nearly 100 members of the Colfax and Mingo communities were their to support and celebration the area-veterans.

Hikiji is a Cedar Rapids native and currently lives in Urbandale. She served nine years in the Iowa Army National Guard’s 2133rd Transportation Company and served in the U.S. Army. She is currently seeking the Democratic nomination for Iowa Senate District 20, now held by State Sen. Brad Zahn (R-Urbandale).

The Iraq War vet left the podium Wednesday and went into the crown of students, using a plush honeybee to explain the “Three Bs” she learned in her military service: Be grateful, being your best and being of service.

Hikiji said her time in the military made her grateful for the opportunities afforded to U.S. citizens due to veterans’ sacrifice — such as the basic chance at a hot meal.

“So this reminds me of is to be grateful for good, hot food. Because there are people all over the world who not only don’t have a meal, but even in the military you might only get one every other day that’s hot and good like you school lunch,” she said. “Even if it’s not your favorite it’s something we can be glad a grateful for. And that’s part of what this day is about.”

In the all-school assembly, Hikiji also thanked teachers — recalling her experience in Iraq with boys only education. During her tour in Iraq, she was part of an operation to secure a school so girls could safely get an education.

The students, area residents and veterans also heard statements from C-M Interim Superintendent Tracy Hook and the celebration was emceed by C-M Jr/Sr High School Principal Todd Jones.

U.S. Air Force Sgt. Jennifer Barrer of Colfax received a handmade quilt Wednesday made by Colfax resident Sharron Cummings through a raffle, which is becoming a tradition of the C-M Veterans Day event. The 29-year-old is an enlisted aviator stationed in Des Moines with the 132nd Wing, a member of the 124th Attack Squadron. A 2004 C-M graduate, Barrer said events like the one held Wednesday give vets and active duty personal purpose.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be represented and respected by the community,” she said. “Their support provides us with the motivation to continue doing this. For those of us who have either served or continued to serve, this is a part of our life.”