Students’ USO show honors WW II vets

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Lawrence North sophomore Laura Flandermeyer, Steve Hardwick and Lawrence North senior Nicole Cordes performing in last year’s show. (Submitted photo)
Lawrence North sophomore Laura Flandermeyer, Steve Hardwick and Lawrence North senior Nicole Cordes performing in last year’s show. (Submitted photo)

By Mark Ambrogi

Steve Hardwick figured World War II veterans have done so much. It was time to give back to them with a show by the students.

Since the show started in 2001, it has evolved into an old-fashioned United Service Organizations Show with some performers playing radio stars of the era.

This year’s July 25 show will be the Indian Creek Elementary school teacher’s 15th and final show for the veterans. The show is held at 76th Infantry Brigade Armory, 9920 E. 59th St., Lawrence Township. There will be a live band from 12:30 – 1:20 p.m. with the show running from 1:30 to 2:40 p.m. The first year it was held Hardwick’s 27 fifth graders from Lawrence Township Schools held a fundraiser, donating the money to the construction of a World War II Memorial.

At the first show, 19 veterans attended the WW II tribute show. In 2014, 90 WW II and Korea War veterans were in attendance.

The number of living WW II veterans continues to dwindle with most WW II vets in their 90s.

Hardwick, 51, said it just seems right to end on the 70th anniversary of the war ending.

“A lot of my students are moving on, some of the ones I’ve used extensively are graduating,” Hardwick said.

For the last several years, Hardwick has played the role of comedian Jack Benny, which makes it easier for him to guide his students’ talents.

“There is a website with 600 Jack Benny radio shows and I listen to them constantly to get gags and skits that will coordinate with my students’ talents, whether it’s tap dancing or singing,” he said. “I set them up and they’re the stars of the show. I want the veterans to see there are younger generations who do care about giving back.”

Nicole Cordes, who will be a senior at Lawrence North High School, frequently plays with Benny’s wife and radio partner, Mary Livingstone.

“Nicole has been helping pretty much since fifth grade,” Hardwick said. “Alex Navarre was in my first class that did it and helped as a senior in high school. She has helped the last three years as she is a teacher in Lawrence now.”

Hardwick said 40-plus students are helping with the program.

“All the students help with greeting the veterans and escorting them into their seats,” Hardwick said.

The public is welcome to attend the free show. If a veteran wishes to attend, contact [email protected].


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