With Veterans Day right around the corner, all North East ISD schools are preparing to honor and celebrate the men and woman who fought to defend and protect our country. This week, Stone Oak Elementary School invited a special veteran to deliver an inspirational message of hope and perseverance.
JP Lane is a double-amputee who was severely injured by a 200-pound improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan while on a route clearance mission. After losing both his legs and going through more than 25 surgeries, Lane decided he could use his story, perseverance, faith and never-give-up mindset to inspire and help others.
“We all go through difficult times and sometimes we just want to give up because those moments aren’t easy,” said Lane. “So you have to remember that every single day when you wake up that you are going to try to live life to the fullest and always do the best you can in all that you do. No matter where you are or what you are doing.”
These days, the former United States Army Combat Engineer visits schools to share his motivational message. He attributes much of his recovery to his love of music and singing. He even took out his guitar to sing a song for the student body.
“Stone Oak celebrated the efforts and memory of KiKi Camarena throughout Red Ribbon week,” said Bernadette Gugliotti, Stone Oak counselor. “However, teaching students how to make healthy choices is a decision that happens daily on the campus and the visit from JP Lane just reinforced our positive message.”
