Writer / Kara Reibel

Fifteen years ago, fifth grader Alex Navarre invited her grandfather to attend the first USO-themed luncheon celebrating WWII veterans. Navarre was a student of Stephen Hardwick’s fifth grade class at Indian Creek Elementary, which called their event the “Tribute” luncheon.

01 well doneHer grandfather, Staff Sergeant Albert Navarre, served with the 104th Evacuation Hospital in General Patton’s Third Army. “I was so happy my grandfather was able to attend,” says Navarre. “He came from Ohio and was thrilled with the event.”

In addition to any friends or relatives that the students knew, Hardwick reached out to the local American Legion for leads on WWII veterans, resulting in a total of 19 attendees that first year. The students served lunch for the veterans, including Spam, and sang songs from the ’40s such as Rosie the Riveter and military branch songs.

“It was interesting to see all of the veterans there,” recalls Navarre. “We saw how special and important it was to them and how much they appreciated their [military] song being sung.”

When Navarre was a senior, she did her cadet teaching in Mr. Hardwick’s class. This arrangement enabled her to help his students prep for the Tribute, which was a completely different experience than what she recalled from the first year.

“First of all, I realized all of the work that goes into a program,” says Navarre. “There were many more veterans in attendance and a lot more acts. Watching Hardwick transform himself into Jack Benny for laughs was a great addition to the Tribute. You could tell that he absolutely loves this, and it took on a life of its own. The best part is watching the joy on the faces of the veterans. It really takes them back in time.”

Now a first grade teacher at Harrison Hill Elementary School in Lawrence Township, Navarre ran into Hardwick at a district-wide faculty meeting three years ago and offered to help out with the Tribute again. “He took me up on the offer and put me to work. I was amazed at how it grew over the years and loved how it all came together.”

“All of the effort that we put into this show is worth it when we see a veteran tearing up at their military branch song or singing along with the songs from the ’40s,” shares Hardwick. “It was a tough decision to have this be the last one. With 2015 marking 70 years since the end of WWII, it seems fitting to align with that end.”selfie of Jack Benny (Hardwick) and Alex Navarre

This year, it’s a reunion of sorts for former students of Hardwick’s who all want to help one last time. “The students have shown such incredible support for this event over the years,” shares Hardwick. “I am so grateful to have experienced such great kids who come back year after year.”

Navarre has given the opening remarks at the last two shows with Hardwick in costume as Jack Benny. “Some of the veterans have been to every Tribute since its inception,” says Navarre. “They always come up to me after the show, telling me how they appreciate me helping out each year.”

“As a fifth grader, it taught me a valuable life lesson, the kind that as a teacher, you hope for every student you teach gets to experience: having a positive impact on the lives of others. I have to thank Steve for understanding just how important the lesson of showing appreciation to those you love is,” shares Navarre. “Seeing how my grandfather was touched by the gratitude years after he served was a deeply satisfying personal experience for me.”

“It has been wonderful to witness this from all different angles. Last year, we had 95 veterans, both WWII and Korean War vets, plus countless others who came to witness the show,” shares Navarre. “It is really sad to end this tradition, but it is ending on a high note, and this will be a very special sendoff.”

The 15th Annual USO Tribute will be held Saturday, July 25th, at the Indiana National Guard Armory at Ft. Benjamin Harrison, from 12:30-2:40 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

Veterans should contact Steve Hardwick at 317-437-8737 or stephenhardwick@msdlt.k12.in.us.

Comments 3

  1. Duane Hodgin says:

    What a "great" article affirming a "GREAT TEACHER" who has recognized and honored "THE GREATEST GENERATION" for fifteen years! I was privileged to be a small part of some of these "Tribute Programs."
    My father, A WW II veteran, enjoyed them so much!-Duane Hodgin (former MSDLT assistant superintendent)

  2. Tony Mungovan says:

    I think I have been to seven of these Tributes over the years and they are always so well done and so appreciated by the vets. Steve, his current and former students, and many of their parents work very hard preparing for the Tribute and should be very proud of all the good they have accomplished over the last 15 years.

  3. Connie Thomas says:

    Mr. Hardwick…congratulations on a job well done! You are to be commended for your dedication to "The Greatest Generation." I am so proud that Indian Creek students understand the sacrifices they made…I know it is something they will never forget! You created the ultimate "being there" experience when you developed the World War II Tribute…the USO show does a marvelous job of honoring our veterans for their service! Thank you for all your hard work!

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