Students in three Capital Region BOCES programs are donating their skills and expertise in tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam Conflict.
High school juniors and seniors in the Welding and Metal Fabrication, Automotive Collision Technology and Building Trades programs are fabricating three metal and wood benches for a local appearance of “The Wall That Heals”.
Operated by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, “The Wall That Heals” will be at the LaSalle Institute Campus June 5-8. The event is hosted by the Ciccarelli Rea Agars Bevevino Garrison No. 1954 in Troy.
Career and Technical Education Center Albany Campus Principal Joe Slichko
said BOCES was approached to make the benches for veterans to sit on and remember their service and fallen comrades during the wall’s appearance at LaSalle.
“It is the perfect opportunity for our students to give back to their community and to those who made the ultimate sacrifice—while displaying the skills they are learning here at BOCES,” Slichko said.
Students said they appreciate the opportunity to give back to the community in a meaningful way.
“My grandfather was in Vietnam, so it’s kind of special to be a part of this project,” said Athena Masse, a Welding and Metal Fabrication junior.
Masse, a Niskayuna student, classmate Owen VanVranken from Bethlehem, and others joined a pair of seniors in fabricating the metal for the benches and creating logos and signs.
“I was able to do some of the welds and worked on the project. It is cool to work on something that lots of people will see and make use of,” said VanVranken.
Automotive Collision Technology students prepared and painted the metal for the benches.
“We sanded, primed, sealed, painted and coated the benches. It was a fun project to be a part of,” said Matthew Kellie, a junior from Shenendehowa.
Classmate Alvaro Jiron said he not only enjoyed doing the work but felt a sense of pride in it.
“I feel great about being a part of this. It also validates for me that I can have a career in auto body,” the Schenectady teenager said. 
Students in the Building Trades program will soon prepare the wooden seats for the structures by cutting, sanding, priming and coating the wood before adding it to the structures.
Capital Region BOCES students at the Career and Technical Education Center routinely contribute to their communities using the skills they learn at BOCES. They have even used their skills to help veterans in the past, for example constructing a submarine float for the United States Submarine Veterans Albany-Saratoga Chapter. Built nearly 10 years ago by students in the Building Trades, Welding and Metal Fabrication and Carpentry Services programs, the float can be seen in parades around the Capital Region.
“An important part of being a contributing member of society is giving back, and we are pleased to help our students share their skills and knowledge with groups in the region,” said Slichko.