Crossing guards Steve Iverson and Anne Puzzi, standing in front of Greenville Elementary School, May 26, 2023. (Photo: Will Feelright)
NORTH LOGAN — Students at Greenville Elementary School finished the year with one last lesson about what Memorial Day is really about. Friday, crossing guard Steve Iverson, who is retired military, dressed in his American Legion uniform as he helped students and parents cross the street at 2500 N. 400 East.
Iverson, who was drafted into the army and served for two years during the Vietnam War, decided to share his patriotism with the kids as they were crossing the intersection in front of the school. In addition to his uniform, he also attached a flag to his stop sign.
“So a couple of kids have said, ‘What is your costume for?’ and replied that this is my army uniform.”
Iverson is an active member of the American Legion Post 47 in Hyrum. He and other members primarily conduct military honor ceremonies at veteran’s gravesites.
Iverson came from a military family. He served as an MP during Vietnam, providing security for radio operators, who would monitor radio signals for troop movements and intelligence.
“My grandpa served in World War 1. My dad was in World War 2, and later lived in a small town in Minnesota. There was an active Legion Post there and he was the post commander twice. There was also a ladies group, called the Ladies Auxiliary and my mom was president of that. So, I grew up in a very patriotic, legion oriented town.”
After returning home and marrying his fiancé, Iverson and his wife moved to Cache Valley. They have been married for 53 years and have seven children.
Iverson and Anne Puzzi have been crossing guards at the intersection since the first day of the school year. They have a great love for the kids they see twice a day.
“A few of the girls started calling me Brother Dude and now it’s Bro Dude. I call them my dudettes. I’ve got one kid whose name is Mario. And there is a Ms. Smiley because it was so hard to get her to smile. She is a sweet girl.”
Friday wasn’t the first time Iverson has dressed up for the kids. Just before the Christmas break, he wore a Santa Clause costume and Puzzi dressed up as an elf.