Photo by J.T. Whitehouse, Town Crier Fitch sophomore Brandon Popio thanks Marine veteran Ken Jakubec for his service. Both were able to dine in the Fitch High School cafeteria Wednesday during the Eat Lunch with a Veteran program that is in its third year.

AUSTINTOWN — Two lunch periods Wednesday at Fitch High School had special guests.

Thirty veterans and active-duty military members dined with the students. Each veteran selected a table, and students were quick to fill in and talk with them.

“This is the third year for this program,” said Marine veteran Ken Jakubec.

It was Jakubec who presented the idea to veterans groups and to the school. He said everyone was on board and helped pull it together.

The students said they enjoyed the day and learned a lot.

Many asked what it was like in wartime. Others asked about the uniforms and medals the veterans were wearing.

A good example was Army veteran Wes Westmoreland, who earned two Purple Hearts while serving in Vietnam.

Some veterans were lucky enough to dine with family members.

Leo Connelly Jr., a Purple Heart recipient from his service in the Vietnam War, was able to dine with his nephew, Fitch sophomore Anthony Colantone. He even issued Anthony a special Purple Heart support pin to wear for the day.

Jakubec said he plans to keep the program going because it’s is a win-win for both students and the veterans. He said he also will try to keep it going during Spirit Week at Fitch, which runs through Friday.