Two military veterans shared stories of service and lessons about citizenship with Extend and Skelly students on Nov. 4, 2025.
Dave Brooks and Phil Wickwire, both El Dorado residents with military backgrounds, spoke about their experiences and the importance of what they called the “three Rs”: Rights, Responsibilities and Respect.
Brooks, who graduated from El Dorado High School in 1961, told students he joined the U.S. Air Force because he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after high school. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life when I graduated,” he said. With few jobs and no money for college, he enlisted and trained as a medic — a decision that led to a 50-year career in nursing.
Brooks served eight years in the Air Force, including a deployment to Vietnam from 1967 to 1968. As a medic, he flew on 90 missions to move wounded soldiers from small field hospitals to larger medical centers. He also helped in 40 missions of the Army’s “Dust-off System,” flying in helicopters to rescue injured soldiers from the jungle. After leaving the Air Force, Brooks earned his nursing license at Newman Hospital in Emporia. He later accepted a commission with the U.S. Navy, serving 13 more years and retiring as a Navy lieutenant.
Wickwire served eight years in the Air Force, working in the fire service air rescue recovery. His team used helicopters to reach pilots trapped in downed aircraft, using rotor wash to push flames back so they could rescue and treat the injured. After his military service, Wickwire spent 38 years with the Butler County Sheriff’s Office and worked as a School Resource Officer at El Dorado Middle School. Now retired, he is active in the American Legion and the El Dorado Elks Club.
The two veterans encouraged students to understand their rights as American citizens and to take their responsibilities seriously. Brooks reminded them that the Bill of Rights is made up of the first 12 amendments to the U.S. Constitution and urged them to not only know what’s in the document but also what it means.
“Along with our rights, we have a responsibility to our country,” Brooks said. “When you’re old enough to vote, know who and what you are voting for.”
Wickwire added, “If you didn’t speak your piece, you get what you get.”
Both men also spoke about respect — for elected officials, the flag, and the laws of the country. They reminded students that they have the right to peacefully protest but must still follow existing laws.
“You are the future of our country,” Brooks told the students. “It is up to you to support and defend it.”
Wickwire added, “When I look out here this morning, I see a good future. Make us proud.”
When asked what he enjoyed most about serving, Brooks said it was helping others. “I like to think that I made a difference,” he said.
The veterans also discussed proper flag etiquette, explaining that worn or damaged U.S. flags should be respectfully retired in a ceremony that includes prayer and burning — a process they compared to laying a loved one to rest.
Wickwire encouraged students who might consider military service to view it as an opportunity to grow. “After boot camp, it’s just like any other job,” he said. “You’ll have incredible opportunities to see new places and experience new things.”
El Dorado’s Celebration of Freedom Committee is hosting a variety of events Nov. 7-11, 2025, to honor local veterans. For more information and a full schedule, visit the Celebration of Freedom Facebook page at @CelebrationOfFreedomKs.