Preparing For Army Deployment, Franklin Park School Student’s Father Feted By School Community

U.S. Army Capt. Yemi Daramola shows Franklin Park students his bullet-proof vest during a “sendoff” ceremony for him at the school on Sept. 7.

Students at Franklin Park School Sept. 7 got to meet a real-life G.I. Joe, in the form of the father of one of their school mates.

Capt. Yemi Daramola, an 11-year Army veteran, was feted by students and staff at the school as he prepares to leave for his second deployment to the Middle East.

Daramola’s son, Joseph, is a 1st Grader at the school.

Daramola spoke to the schools’ Kindergarten and 1st Grade students outside, and 2nd, 3rd and 4th Grade students in the cafetorium.

During his visit, school principal Nicole Sury presented Daramola with an American flag that flew above the school and a Franklin Park School t-shirt signed by teachers and administrators.

The flag, she said, “contains the soul of Franklin Park School. It’s filled with good memories and good wishes for you.”

Daramola talked a bit about what he’ll be doing overseas – his unit is responsible for humanitarian aid, he said – and showed the students his helmet and bullet-proof vest.

He also answered a number of questions from the children.

“I really appreciate you guys having me here today, and I want to tell you that I will not forget this,” Daramola said at the end of the presentation.

As he walked around the cafetorium, students and teachers broke out small American flags and waved them above their heads.

Daramola and his family then walked down several hallways lined with more students holding American flags and chanting, “U.S.A! U.S.A!”

The day also included presentation of colors by the Franklin High School Junior ROTC Color Guard, and a rendition of the National Anthem by school students.

Later, the two-year township resident said he was overwhelmed by the reception he received.

“This is awesome, it was amazing, to say the least,” Daramola said. “I was simply floored by the reception.”

“I can’t even quantify this,” he added.

2016 Capt. Daramola Sendoff

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