"I remember standing on Wahconah Street. I was in uniform with crutches and trying to get onto a bus. People didn't stop to help. They kept pushing right by me," he said. "Things have changed a lot since then."
On Tuesday, Mack was one of 26 veterans who received star treatment during a breakfast and salute program for military veterans hosted by Williams Elementary School.
"Things have come a long way. Here, veterans are treated more like family," said Roseanne Frieri, Pittsfield's director of Veterans' Services.
Dozens of other veterans were honored by students across Berkshire County on Tuesday in advance of today's Veterans Day ceremonies.
Among the events reported to The Eagle were veteran-honoring ceremonies at elementary schools in Lanesborough and Lee, and a collection of comfort items and toiletries at Craneville Elementary
"If it wasn't for veterans, things wouldn't be like they are today," said Jack Scarafoni, a fifth- grader at Williams Elementary School. "We wouldn't have a much freedom as we have now."
Veterans said they were humbled and pleased by the outpouring of support from the schools.
"It means a lot to me for children to know what it all entails, and to see that they're thankful for what they're able to do because of what we do," said Marine Sgt. Michael Jones, a Williams Elementary School alumnus.
Sitting across from Jones at a cafeteria table on Tuesday was Air Force Master Sgt. Dana Seddon. During her service with the 337th Airlift Squadron at Westover Air Reserve Base, Seddon has participated in 100 flights to combat zones.
As the elementary school students served her breakfast and her toddler son Liam crawled around her lap and feet, Seddon said, "This is why we do it. I'm an American. This is why I do it, for our kids."
Second Class Petty Officer Tom Scherben, a Naval Iraq War vet, had made previous visits to Williams Elementary to teach children about military symbolism and routines, like how to fold a flag. He practiced flag folding with two students during Tuesday's ceremony.
"When I was younger, the first service person I ever encountered in a uniform was a recruiter in high school. For me, it's about teaching kids patriotism. This is probably the best part of my job," Scherben said.
Seddon said would like to see more people, not just students, reach out to soldiers and veterans. "It breaks down barriers for our class. (Veterans Day) is really about humanizing us. We'd love to have people coming up to us, shaking our hands and giving us high-fives."
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