7 veterans inducted into 2023 Hampton Heroes program

Seven veterans were inducted into the 2023 Hampton Heroes program on a beautiful Monday morning, Nov. 6, at Fridley Field.

This year's Hampton Heroes program was hosted by Hampton's elementary schools. The inductees included Timothy Tocci (U.S. Navy), Gavin Church (U.S. Army), Mark D'Amico (U.S. Navy), Bill Daugherty (U.S. Navy), Wayne Koble (U.S. Army), Robert Kuhn (U.S. Army), and Bill Marsh (U.S. Navy).

The service included musical performances by students in Grades 3, 4, and 5 singing the Armed Forces Medley and the Fifth Grade Elementary Band & Orchestra; patriotic poems, biographies, and essays written and read by elementary students; U.S. flag demonstrations, and various displays of gratitude for the veterans in attendance. Lieutenant Commander Timothy Tocci served as the guest speaker for the event.

HTSD would like to express its gratitude to the elementary school administrators, teachers, staff members, and students for working diligently to honor and recognize veterans with the 2023 Hampton Heroes program. As part of this year's program, the elementary schools participated in a fundraiser called "Pennies for Patriots" and raised $3,875.00 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

The Hampton Heroes program at HTSD honors veterans who either live in Hampton, work in Hampton schools, are graduates of Hampton High School, or are relatives of current HTSD students or staff members. This year marks the 22nd annual Hampton Heroes program. Since 2001, over 200 men and women have been inducted as Hampton Heroes and recognized at the Hampton Heroes program.