The Toledo Opera's "Voices of Valor" town hall at the Jefferson Center on Tuesday night brought together local veterans to share their personal stories, emphasizing the importance of service, respect and civic engagement.
"We can't lose these stories, because if we do, then we are bound to repeat the problems," James Norman, general director of the Toledo Opera said. "The storytelling that we do in opera transcends everything. It doesn’t matter what your background is; you can really delve into the stories."
The event, emceed by WTOL 11's Dan Cummins, coincided with the opera’s production of South Pacific, offered a unique opportunity to connect art with the real-life experiences of veterans.
The five-person panel featured veterans who spoke about their journeys in the military, the values of teamwork and the importance of fostering respect for those who serve.
Among the panelists was Teresa Fedor, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Ohio State Board of Education.
"My father inspired me to join the military, as he talked about his service in the Army during the Korean war," Fedor said.
Fedor said she was part of the first-ever women’s group to complete the Air Force obstacle course.
Now working in education, Fedor stressed the importance of teaching students the value of respecting veterans.
"Schools need to do a better job with civic education and service education, so students understand the connection between our country’s history, the people who fought for our freedoms, and the ongoing sacrifices we continue to make," she said.
Retired Lt. Col. Marshall Adams, a 28-year veteran of the 180th Fighter Wing, applies the lessons of teamwork learned in the military to his everyday life.
"It impacts me every day. The military taught me that you’re not an individual—you’re part of a community," Adams said. "That’s really impacted the way I look at my life now."
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