Bellefontaine High School students and staff learned about service during a Veterans Day assembly Friday morning.

2011 BHS grad Corbin Messner and BHS senior Wes Morris shared their military stories to several classes in the auditorium.

Private Morris enlisted in the Army last summer, then completed boot camp.

Morris will begin his full service shortly after graduation in May.

He talked about his motivation to serve our country.

Staff Sergeant Messner shared his journey to becoming a Marine.

After attending Bowling Green, Messner quickly discovered that college was not his path.

He then showed interest in the Army, but eventually enlisted in the Marines.

Messner has been serving for nearly 11 years.

He’s a highly-trained aviation technician.

Most recently, Messner has served as a Marine recruiter in the Newark area.

Now he works in downtown Columbus.

Corbin encouraged current students to explore the many global opportunities the military offers young adults.

He said the Marines sparked his professional and personal growth.

Messner was a good student and well liked at BHS. He also competed in wrestling and track, but admittedly didn’t stand out in high school.

He credits the military and its training for changing his life.

Finally, Messner said that Veterans Day is a time to remember and thank current and past service members.

He said every military member is making a sacrifice to be away from family and friends while protecting our freedom.

Service learning teacher Rick Reed organized the assembly.

We thank Corbin and Wes for their service and salute all veterans.

Photos: Corbin Messner speaks.

Corbin Messner (left) and Wes Morris

Rick Reed introduces Corbin Messner.