James Clemens Cheerleaders show respect to veterans at Tut Fann

The Jets Cheerleaders from James Clemens High School visited and performed for residents at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Cheerleaders from James Clemens High School showed their respect and appreciation to war veterans who live at Floyd E. ‘Tut’ Fann State Veterans Home in Huntsville.

The Jets Cheerleaders also delivered greeting cards from Heritage Elementary School students in Ann Iott’s and Shelly Dickerson’s second-grade classes on Aug. 15. On the cards, Heritage second-graders wrote “Thank you for your service”; “We love you”; and “Without you, we wouldn’t be free.”

“The girls chose Tutt Fann after helping volunteer for the ‘Welcome Home, Vietnam Veterans’ event last spring,” Melanie Turner said. “Our veterans are something they hold very dear. Their motto is ‘Jets love Vets!'”

Turner chairs James Clemens’ math department, teaches standard and advanced-placement math classes and sponsors Mu Alpha Theta and Student Government Association. She also serves on the cheerleader’s community service committee.

At Tut Fann, the cheerleaders performed cheers including “USA,” tumbled and visited with about 35 retired veterans, some who served in World War II.

“The girls were honored to share the cards, visit and perform for our veterans, who enjoyed the visit and being honored,” community service chairwoman Leslie Parker said.

The veterans enthusiastically welcome the Jets Cheerleaders with comments, such as “Are y’all coming back to see us?”; “Thank you for coming to see us”; “Y’all sure are pretty”; and “Go Jets!”

Not surprisingly, the retired servicemen included a few “Roll Tide” and “War Eagle” yells for their home state favorites.

Throughout the year, the Jets Cheerleaders engage in various community service ventures, usually several hours monthly. “They know it’s important to be leaders on the field but in the community as well,” Turner said.

James Clemens cheerleaders visiting the veterans were seniors Sutton Parker, Kaylan Hampton, Taylor Yarbrough and Abbie Johnson; juniors Sydney Turner, Jada Bates and Sydney Hicks; sophomores Avery McCutcheon, Savannah Taylor, Janai Byrd, Gracie Bennett, Anna Lee Ruble and Emily Petrucka; and freshmen Amy Haddock and Kennidi Taylor.

Andrea Alexander sponsors the Jets Cheerleaders.