School Secretary's Son and His Service Dog Share Veterans Day Message at Stevan Dohanos Elementary

When Anthony Winfield addressed students at Stevan Dohanos Elementary School's Veterans Day Lunch, he saw more than just an audience – he saw home. The Lorain native, who spent 13 years in the Air Force serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, shared his journey of service, sacrifice and recovery with students and fellow veterans.

"Afghanistan was the most beautiful place I've ever seen in my life," Winfield told the gathered crowd, including veterans who attended with their children and grandchildren who are current students at the school. His mother, Tammy Valentine, who serves as the school's secretary, looked on as her son shared his story.

Winfield's military career took an unexpected turn when a rocket attack at Bagram Airfield left him with critical injuries. Despite his desire to complete 20 years of service, multiple surgeries and injuries – including hearing loss in both ears and nerve damage on the left side of his body – led to a medical retirement.

But it's what came after the military that Winfield wanted the students to understand. Accompanied by his service dog, Maizy, he spoke about the importance of hope and finding new ways to serve.

"Our goal is to change the concept," Winfield said, as Maizy sat calmly beside him. "Even some of the little ones here were scared of dogs. They had a bad experience with dogs. I want to make sure that we let everyone know what a dog and its team can do to help. Without Maizy it was a dark time afterwards, as many can attest to from our experiences. But with her help, it's been phenomenal. It's been a game changer at home, all the way around."

Today, Winfield serves his community in a different way, as a U.S. Bank branch manager in Parma. His story of returning home to Ohio represents what many veterans seek: a chance to rebuild, reconnect and continue serving their community in new ways.

During his speech, Winfield paid tribute to Vietnam and World War II veterans, noting how they "held themselves to a higher standard." His own standard of service continues, now with Maizy by his side, showing students at his mother's school that there's always hope and help available, no matter what challenges life presents.

Stevan Dohanos Elementary second graders recited poems and third graders performed a song for the veterans and their families.