St. Joseph students learn a lesson in patriotism
Published Nov 14, 2007
Debbie Teague has taught fifth grade at St. Joseph School in Joliet for 25 years. And each student that passes through her classroom doors learns at least one lesson before leaving—patriotism. Her sweater and shirt featured the American red, white and blue stars and stripes on Nov. 5 when she invited the Catholic Explorer into her classroom.
The patriotic display was just a preview of what is in the works for the entire student body Nov. 7 when her son, U.S. Air Force Capt. Jason Teague, visits the Joliet school. The Elwood resident said she hopes her son passes along “patriotism and the love of country that he has.”
Jason, a 29-year-old military officer, plans to return to the diocese and make a presentation at St. Joseph School. The graduate of St. Mary Immaculate School in Plainfield and Joliet Catholic Academy is currently stationed at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. He resides nearby with his wife Capt. Amy Teague, who has served two tours of duty in the Middle East, and his two children—4-year-old Victoria and 18-month old Jason.
Before discussing his own two tours of duty in the Iraqi region and his protection of the airspace on Sept. 11, 2001, over the nation’s capital, Jason is expected to present the students with an American flag that was flown in the Iraqi war zone.
David Spesia, principal of the school, was filled with excitement Nov. 5 as he spoke with the Explorer. “It’s an opportunity for the students to get to meet him personally, and also hear about his direct service. I think, especially around Veteran’s Day, it’s important to bear in mind all the people who do serve and risk their life to protect innocent life.”
Spesia said he plans to post the flag on the school’s Freedom Shrine; it currently displays portraits of the pope, President George W. Bush and replicas of documents pertinent to America’s history.
Every morning the 155 students and staff of St. Joseph School gather in the first floor hallway to start off the day with a prayer. They pray for many intentions, including siblings, children, relatives and friends serving the United States through military service.
A wall of honor for those in the military is on display in the back of Debbie’s classroom on the second floor. She pointed out the pictures of uniformed military personnel—former students and those with connections to the Joliet Catholic school. She recalled Rafael Arias, a student of hers a few years ago when her son visited and demonstrated proper care techniques of the American flag. Debbie couldn’t specifically credit that experience with inspiring her former student to enter the military, but said, “I think Jason made an impression on him.”
In addition to decorating her classroom with patriotic displays, the proud military mom recruits her students in supporting the troops through various service endeavors. Sitting at her desk in the front of the classroom, Debbie said her students help her deal with her concerns as well as her faith. The member of St. Mary Immaculate Parish pointed to her students who working on assignments and said, “I pray. I get involved with the kids. I look at these children as my children.”
The 11 students in her class nodded their heads in agreement as she discussed the school’s involvement in such endeavors as Operation Care Package, based in Joliet. For several years, the students have collected various items to send to soldiers overseas.
Those projects offer Debbie some consolation as the mother of a son who has been on active duty in the service since the late 1990s. The widow shared that Jason’s visit to the school is part of a brief trip home before he is deployed for his third tour of duty “in the desert.” Debbie explained that his previous missions have included commanding troop movements from the air above as well as protecting the air space itself.
Jason’s service and dedication is inspiring to Debbie, the mother of three adult children and grandmother of four. She said, “It’s his patriotism and appreciation for American freedom. We take it for granted. Coming to the Catholic schools would not be possible, let alone driving your own car and getting a license, owning your own home and all that stuff wouldn’t be possible without American freedom.”
