PHOTOS: On Veterans Day, Senator Peters Attends Rochester High School Veterans “Wall of Honor” Unveiling Ceremony

ROCHESTER HILLS, MI - This Veterans Day, U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) attended an unveiling ceremony at Rochester High School (RHS) for its new Veterans "Wall of Honor," which recognizes RHS alumni and faculty who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The display was created by Audrey Henckel, a senior student at RHS, who undertook the project to accomplish the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of America. Peters, an Eagle Scout and an RHS alumni, is featured on the Wall of Honor to recognize his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve. Peters' father, Herb Peters, is also recognized for his service as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army in France during World War II, following the invasion of Normandy. Peters' father also graduated from RHS and was a teacher at Rochester Community Schools for more than 30 years.

"Every name on this wall tells the story of someone who bravely answered the call to protect our democracy and our American way of life," said Senator Peters. "It is an honor for me to be recognized alongside my father and the countless courageous men and women who have helped defend our nation. This new Wall of Honor will ensure that future generations of Rochester High School students remember the heroic service and sacrifices made by members of their own community."

"The brave women and men of our military protect the freedoms that many of us presume without question," said Nicholas Russo, Rochester Community Schools Superintendent. "It is out of great respect that we recognize their service to our community and our country."

"It is an honor to pay tribute to the heroes who have served, and continue to serve, our country. Each year, our students, staff and families come together to honor our veterans and show appreciation for their sacrifices," said Josh Wrinkle, Principal of Rochester High School. "I am so proud of how our community continues to find new ways to make our observances even better."

"The Wall of Honor at Rochester High School recognizes our community's veterans, past and present. It represents an appreciation for the impact our RHS graduates and staff have had throughout history in protecting our liberties," said Joshua Beukema, Assistant Principal of Rochester High School and U.S. Army National Guard Veteran. "As a veteran having served in the Michigan Army National Guard, this sign of gratitude means a great deal."

To download photos from the event, click here.

During his service in the U.S. Navy Reserve, Peters earned a Seabee Combat Warfare Specialist designation and rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander. After the September 11th terrorist attacks on our country, Peters volunteered again for drilling status and served overseas as part of his Reserve duty. He later earned a diploma from the College of Naval Command and Staff, U.S. Naval War College.

In the Senate, Peters has remained committed to supporting our nation's servicemembers and veterans. In 2021, Peters was inducted into the Michigan Military and Veterans Hall of Honor for his efforts to support our nation's veterans and military. In 2017, Peters was recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America for authoring the bipartisan Fairness for Veterans Act, which was signed into law as part of the national defense bill. The legislation requires veteran discharge review boards to give liberal consideration to petitions for honorable discharge status if the servicemember has been diagnosed with PTSD, TBI, or other related conditions connected to their military service. In 2022, Peters helped enact the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act - which delivered VA health care and benefits to all generations of toxic-exposed veterans and their survivors for the first time in our nation's history.

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