HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The keynote speaker at the Veterans Day Observance at Holland High School was an Allegan High School graduate.
Marine Staff Sergeant Jeffrey Draney spoke of moral courage to students, veterans, staff, faculty and members of the community.
“It’s the things that you do in life that are going to make an impact on someone else. You may never get an award or be recognized in front of you peers for doing a good job or doing the right thing. But you will have made an impact on someone else’s life. You have made someone’s day better. You will have the satisfaction of having the courage to do the right thing when no one else would. You see I’m very young still. I’ve spent 12 years in the Marine Corp, I’ve traveled to over 17 countries, been deployed to Iraq twice and have had the opportunity to meet people who have impacted my life because of the things they have done for me.”
Staff Sgt. Draney told the audience that if there was one thing he has learned in the Marine Corp it is that it is never too late to do the right thing. “So I challenge each and every one of you to make it a point to help someone every day. To have the initiative to do the right thing and continue your families name in a way that would make them proud.”
Staff Sgt. joined the Marines in 2004. He has earned many commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Medal.
