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Local WWII veteran gives Hubbard students history lesson

Tribune Chronicle / R. Michael Semple World War II U.S. Navy veteran Stephen Kali, 92, of Hubbard, spoke to seventh- and eighth-grade students in Becky Ague’s literacy class at Hubbard Middle School on Wednesday. He is holding a drawing of the type of vessel, an LST (landing ship, tank) on which he was stationed during the war in the Pacific Theater.

HUBBARD — Students at Hubbard Middle School were treated to a real-life history lesson when World War II veteran Stephen Kali spoke to them Wednesday morning.

Kali, 92, of Hubbard, spoke to the seventh and eighth graders about his experiences during the war.

“Mr. Kali was very expressive as he shared his WWII experiences with the students. He brought photographs from his time at war, which gave our kids a good understanding of the role he played in the Navy,” Becky Ague said.“It was really neat for our students to hear Mr. Kali talk about his experiences during the war. Mr. Kali was only two years older than my oldest student when he enlisted, which really resonated with them as they listened to his stories and looked at his pictures.”

Kali’s daughter works at the middle school and was asked if her father would speak to the students about the war. The students had just finished reading “The Diary of Anne Frank” and had been watching video clips from Rishi Sharma, who has interviewed World War II veterans, to learn about the war.

“I don’t want any recognition for this, I’m just happy to be with the youngsters and to give them some insight into what they are learning about in school,” Kali said.

Kali served as a yeoman petty officer 2nd class in the Navy when he was 17 and was discharged when he was 19. He spoke to the students about the importance of serving and what that can provide them. He talked about his duties as a sailor and his vessel, which was built in Pittsburgh.

He said his goal was to help the students to better understand what they were learning in school.

“We are so appreciative of Mr. Kali’s time. He spent an hour talking to our students and answering questions. His presentation was very engaging and our students really seemed to enjoy it,” Ague said.

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