Virginia Beach, Va. - NewsChannel 3 is teaming up with Ynot Pizza and Italian Cuisine to honor local students who are making a difference in their schools and communities with a Students Taking Action Award.
First Colonial High School senior Avery Kampfmueller has been a volunteer with the Patriot Guard Riders for four years. The group supports families and honors fallen military service members, first responders and veterans.
He doesn't have a personal connection to the military, but it's something he's passionate about.
“Because of all the sacrifices they've given to this country, to stay free, and what they do for our community is a great responsibility they have,” Kampfmueller said.
Wayne Anderson is the Hampton Roads Assistant State Captain for the Patriot Guard and Avery's mother's fiancé. He says Avery is very active with the Patriot Guard.
“He stands the flag line when we have a funeral. He's been to several funerals and welcome homes and send offs,” Anderson said. “When you get an admiral coming up to you telling you what a great thing it is to have this young man stand in the flag line, it means something.”
Avery is not only earning the respect of his community, but also his peers in the Legal Studies Academy at First Colonial High School.
“I really want to go into law enforcement, more specifically the FBI. My internship I had with the FBI really helped me get a foot in the door with that,” Avery said.
“He secured one of the only two internships we offer with them this past summer,” said Angelique Phillips, the Legal Studies Academy coordinator.
“He's sort of an unsung hero if you will. I've known that he's done the Patriot Guard for a couple of years now but he doesn't really talk about it.”
Newschannel 3 and Ynot Pizza and Italian Cuisine presented Avery with a $100 savings bond, a gift card for a family dinner at Ynot, and a Students Taking Action medal.
