Prairie du Chien High School grads serving in Middle East
Brian McNett, Trestan Richardson, Colton Babb, Wyatt Lawrence and Mike Steiner, all from the Prairie du Chien Class of 2015, are serving in the Middle East. (Photo submitted)
By Ted Pennekamp
United States Military personnel around the globe always appreciate cards, letters and care packages from home, especially during the holiday season.
A unique twist this year is that there are five Class of 2015 Prairie du Chien High School graduates serving as part of Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East. Wyatt Lawrence, Mike Steiner, Trestan Richardson, Brian McNett and Colton Babb are all serving in the National Guard with the 1-121 Field Artillery. Another Prairie du Chien alumnus from an earlier graduating class, Matthew Heisz, is also serving in Operation Spartan Shield.
“It’s something very different,” said Denise Lawrence, the mother of Wyatt. “We probably haven’t had that (five in the same class and school) for awhile.”
Denise said the young men have been in the Middle East since the beginning of August and have at least a nine-month commitment that could be extended to 18 months. They are all on different bases but run into each other on occasion.
“They’re young and they made this commitment, and they’ve been very upbeat and positive, but cards and letters can make a big difference when you’re far away,” said Denise who noted there is an eight-hour time difference, so calling can be difficult.
Denise said that if anybody wants to send cards and letters of support or “care” packages, they can contact her on her cell phone at (608) 412-1643, and she will make sure the young men get everything. She said their addresses can’t be given.
