Paxton High School - Reflector Yearbook (Paxton, IL)

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Paxton High School Reflector lor the “big transfer” across the sea. He writes that though his life as a soldier does not perfectly harmonize with the ideals he had created for him- self when war was unthought of, yet that he has never for a moment “regretted, or even half-way begun to regret the steps” which he has taken to do his part, small though it be, in winning this war that we are righteously waging to save our country from autocratic interference, intrigue, or domin- ation; and, at the same time, so tar as possible, to right the tnousand wrongs imposed upon liberty loving, liberty aspiring humanity everywhere. Sergeant Chester Raymond Bear. Mr. Bear enlisted but recently, and entered the Quartermaster s De- partment. A few days before Christmas he was 3ent to Camp Johnson, near Jacksonville, Florida, for training. Recent word indicates that his ability has ceen quickly recognized, as he is now supply sergeant for his Company. CLASS OF 1906. Leo Kirk Healey Of the Class of 190G, in the membership of which there were 11 boys, only one—Leo Kirk Healey—is known to be in some branch of the army ser- vice. He recently enlisted in the Quartermaster's Department, and on Jan- uary 25th departed from Bloomington, 111., where he has continuously re- sided since his graduation, for Florida. He has been assigned to the Quar- termaster’s Corps of the Receiving Cqmpany at Jacksonville. Several other members of this class are in the Selective Draft, and having waived exemption claims, may very soon be honored by the Nations Call. CLASS OF 1907. There were eleven boys who graduated in the class of 1907. Of these two at least are serving “Uncle Sam”, and at least two others have valiantly sought to be numbered among the fighters of the Nation. The two who are now proudly wearing the khaki are Harold Stevens and Gorden Nielsen. Morey Pierson and Harry Hill. The two other members of this class who enlisted, but who, much to their disappointment, failed to be accfepted are Morey Pierson and Harry Hill. Mr. Pierson was admitted to the Second Officers’ Reserve Camp at Fort Sheridan, but later on account of the discovery of disqualifying defects in sight was not permitted to continue. Mr. Hill, who for a number of years has been the efficient superinten- dent of schools at Flannagan, 111., was found to be physically disqualified in relation to some irregularity of heart action. This was a great surprise to his many Paxton school friends, as he is remembered here as the finest athlete the school had up to that time discovered and developed, and his reputation tor a'hletic ability and interest has been widely recognized.

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Paxton High School Reflector 8 Lieutenant Glenn C. Bainum, ’05. CLASS OF 1905. The graduating class of 1905 numbered in Its membership but five boys. Of these, two are now in the army. These two arc Chester Raymond Bear, of Ludlow, 111, and Glenn C. Bainum, of Carbondale, 111. Lieutenant Glenn C. Bainum. Glenn C. Bainum, who for a number of years has been the head of the Department of Music in the Southern Illinois State Normal University at Carbondale, made early application for admission to the U. S. Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. He was accepted, and entered the Fort Sheridan Training Camp, May 15, 1917. He completed the course of instruction and training there August 15th, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant. On August 29th, he reported at Camp Grant, and was assigned to Co. M, 342nd Infantry. He is still at Camp Grant with his company, but will not be surprised should the order come at any time to be ready

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10 Paxton High School Reflector Harold Stevens, ’07. From the very beginning of the de- cision of America to take up defen- sive arms against the German Em- pire, Harold made a strenuous effort to secure an appointment in the first Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Not being successful in this, he renewed his efforts for admission to the Sec- ond Officers' Training Camp. In both cases he was unsuccessful because of the government preference for men with definite previous military train- ing. Undaunted—though doubtless greatly disappointed—he enlisted in the Signal Corps of the Aviation sec- tion of the regular army at Chanute Field, on November 21st, 1917. He was appointed to special duty in the office of the Chief Engineer of this post on Nov. 22nd, and was assigned to the 38th Aero Squadron. He some- what facetiously, and yet with evident pride, informed a Reflector reporter that his first six weeks were spent in doing kitchen police, and guard duty, in which, especially the former, he became very efficient. Following this very necessary and fundamental ser- vice, he was advanced to the rank of First-class Private, and then Corporal. At the present time he is working in the line of his special duty in the office of the Engineer, where the re- ports of the flyers are prepared, and the records of all ships and machinery are kept. Corporal Stevens very enthusiastically states “Army life is not half bad”, and that he is “quite well satisfied with it.” He further states that just as soon as he completes the practical work of aeronautical training he hopes to go to France—and then to The Hamburg Show.” That Harold’s ability, enthusiasm, courage, and patriotic spirit of ser- vice will spell success, no one who knows him for a moment doubts.