Kicking off the school year by honoring Sept. 11 heroes, Operation Tomahawk continues to plan several military-related events throughout the year. 

Operation Tomahawk is a club that supports military personnel, veterans and first responders through events, assemblies and community work. 

On Sept. 11, the 20th memorial of the 9/11 tragedy, the club honored local first responders by organizing a community service event.

“[Club founder and current army member] Allan Bramhill came to me with this idea,” social studies teacher and club adviser Gina Johnston said. “On 9/11, we thought it was the perfect time to honor our local first responders. 9/11 is supposed to be considered to be a day of service, so this was our way of giving back.”

With the help of local caterer and Algonquin dad Tim Kelleher, students prepared meals for 40 local responders. The meals included baby back ribs, grilled buttermilk ranch chicken, roasted red peppers, baked macaroni and cheese, cheesy Delmonico potatoes and caesar salad.

“The kids helped with the grilling and cooking; it was great to see them engaged in the actual preparation of the food from start to finish,” Kelleher said. “They all stepped up and it was so impressive to see these young men and women who showed up to participate in this.”

The club plans to make this an annual event. 

“It’s important to honor and support our local first responders because they do so much to keep our community safe, and this is a great way to do that,” club President senior Sean Leahy said.

“When Ms. Johnston asked me if I could help again for following years, I was honored,” Kelleher said. “It’s a privilege to give back to those who gave so much.”