The Caddo Magnet High School community dedicates a mural honoring two alumni who fell in battle in Afghanistan
Community leaders, families of the men honored, and the students and faculty of Caddo Magnet High School unveiled a mural dedicated to two alumni who died in the service of our country in 2011 on the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, Friday September 11 at Caddo Magnet High School.
The mural depicts two men, Lieutenant Commander Jonas B. Kelsall, Caddo Magnet class of ––1996, and Senior Chief Petty Officer Robert J. Reeves, Caddo Magnet class of 1997. The two men were friends and teammates on Caddo Magnet’s soccer and lacrosse teams. They were both serving as Navy SEALS in Afghanistan when the helicopter they were traveling on was shot down by the Taliban, killing all abord. August 6, 2011, marked the largest number of US and allied casualties from a single incident of the war in Afghanistan.
The mural depicts the two men in their Navy uniforms with an insert of them in their soccer playing days as high school teammates. The mural was designed and painted by Caddo Magnet 2021 alumna and art instructor Ms. Laura Vickers, ably assisted by a team of four students. In the middle of the mural is a moving epitaph “They began as classmates, teammates and friends. They became symbols of courage, service and sacrifice.”
Caddo Magnet English IV instructor Jill Carnie, a 21 year old first year teacher at the time, delivered a poignant and occasionally humorous reflection of the young men as high school students. She was followed by CMH student Joni Woddard who read her winning essay. Director of Bands Don Hardin played Taps after which bagpiper James Parker played Amazing Grace. The superb Caddo Magnet Chorus sang the National Anthem while the Caddo Magnet Army JROTC presented the colors and student Issac Strange gave the prayer. Army JROTC cadet Micheal Nix led the Pledge of Allegiance.
