FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Ahead of Veterans Day, Fresno Christian students filled the auditorium at People's Church.

They were there for the annual Veterans Day Chapel.

Principal Amy Deffenbacher says it's held every year as a way for students to honor those who fought for our freedom.

"I think that's really important for our kids to hear because they've never experienced things like these veterans have," Deffenbacher said.

Thursday, students heard from Gary Parnell.

As a standout, three-sport athlete in high school, Parnell had the opportunity to go to college on an athletic scholarship.

Instead, he became a paratrooper in the U.S. Army and fought in the Vietnam War with the 101st Airborne Division.

Parnell shared how he still has shrapnel in his right eye.

He was hit in an eight-

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