Heritage history teacher Todd Anton is the grandson of a World War I veteran, his father was a World War II and Korean War veteran, and his brother is a Vietnam War veteran. His sister, actress and singer Susan Anton, traveled with Bob Hope to Vietnam to entertain the troops.
Growing up surrounded by service and the cost of that service influenced Todd to honor the veterans in his life. Being raised by history motivated Anton to become a history teacher, and he has enjoyed his 34 years teaching at Pinon Mesa and Heritage. However, for any teacher to be effective and impactful, Anton believes history needs to come alive and feel real to students and community members alike.
“How do I do this?” Anton asked himself. The answer came as quickly as the question: “How about hosting a luncheon or dinner, and having the students serve, eat, and talk to the veterans who made history and protected our nation in its time of need? It will be the best history lesson they will ever have.” Thus, 34 years ago, the Veteran’s Dinner was born.
Anton, the Snowline Unified School District, the local Tri-Community Kiwanis Club, the San Bernardino County Junior Fair Board and 4-H Clubs under the leadership of Nikki Wilson, and Calvary Chapel Phelan under the direction of Daniel Flores have been partners throughout the years in hosting this dinner. The first dinner was attended by about 35 veterans, and it has grown from generation to generation, with hundreds attending at one point, all served by grateful students and parents learning that freedom is not free.
Anton has become sentimental as he begins to consider retirement. “The sacrifice and honor owed to anyone who has served should be appreciated,” Anton said. “We are so blessed, and we take our freedoms for granted, forgetting that our liberties have been fought for and sacrificed for since 1775. I just wish there was more I could do.”
Anton recounts many stories of reunion and forgiveness that have transpired at these dinners. One such example occurred in 2002, when a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran of the 1st Air Cavalry reunited with one of his former crew members. They had last seen each other outside Da Nang, South Vietnam, in 1968, and later discovered they had been living just 10 minutes apart in Wrightwood and Pinon Hills.
The 30th annual High Desert Veteran’s Dinner will take place on Nov. 13, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., at the Serrano High School gymnasium. Tickets are free for a veteran and one guest. Tickets are available locally at Flagstar Banks in Wrightwood and Phelan, Pizza Factory, Victorville Motors, A-Tech Transmission, and the Heritage School front office. Encourage a veteran you know to attend.
“I can’t believe it has been 30 wonderful years. I hope to see the gym full this year,” Anton said. “To all you veterans and their supportive spouses, God bless you for your service and sacrifice to this amazing nation.”
