By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

NATOMA -- Veterans Day was especially poignant for James Pruter, a supply sergeant with the U.S. Army.

Exactly one week from the national holiday, Pruter will be deployed to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, for the second time since he graduated from Natoma High School in 2005.

"I feel it's our duty to serve our country," Pruter said when asked how he feels about his upcoming tour of duty. "And whether we volunteer or are told to go, either way we have to do it -- and I do it proudly."

Area veterans received a red-carpet welcome Thursday morning in the community's first Veterans Day celebration, organized by American Legion Post No. 109 Auxiliary. The event took place in cooperation with Natoma-Paradise-Waldo USD 399.

The hour-long community event was filled with music and words of thanks. All veterans, and widows of veterans, in attendance were presented with thank-you cards -- crafted by USD 399 students -- or roses.

The auxiliary was on the verge of disbanding just two months ago, when several local women joined to keep the faith-based organization afloat, said President Laah Tucker. This year, the group decided it was time to give back to local veterans in a big way, Tucker said, noting members wanted to get children involved.

"It gives them a sense of American pride and thankfulness to be living in this great country," she said.

The emotional program brought several of the veterans close to tears. Larry Naylor, who served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War, said his card will be displayed on a "wall of honor" alongside his military accolades.

"It's very touching. Words really can't describe it too well, I don't think," Naylor said. "I'll always remember it."

The entire student body attended the celebration. Many were dressed in red, white and blue, and waving miniature American flags.

Before the celebration started, students were given the opportunity to ask nine local veterans questions about their experiences and sacrifices. And not all of them were easy subjects to discuss.

Vietnam War veterans were asked specifically if they were exposed to agent orange, an herbicide used by the U.S. military in chemical warfare.

"Yeah. I can tell you what it tastes like, what it feels like on your skin," said Waldo resident Mike Finkenbinder.

"How did your service in the war make you the man you are today?" asked Monteene Barth, a senior at Natoma High School.

"It made me appreciative of all we had," Finkenbider replied. "To see firsthand the sacrifices, the tears, the blood, the sweat that people before us had sacrificed ... That's what changed me."

All of the veterans seemed to agree on one thing -- none of them regret serving their country.

"I have no regrets," Naylor said. "I have lots of great memories and some bad ones, too. But overall, I don't regret any of it, and I would do it all over again."