John W. Decas Elementary first graders in Suzanne Allen’s and Kathy Harunk’s classes got to quiz a Navy veteran on life in the military Monday morning.

In anticipation of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, Allen’s husband, veteran Dennis Allen, visited the class in dress uniform to talk to the children about his military service and Veterans Day. Allen served in the Navy for 24 years, and currently works at the Veterans Affairs Hospital in Brockton as an administrator in the hospital’s emergency room.

Allen’s biggest message to the children was to listen, and make sure they pay attention. He shared an anecdote with the students, in which he, a young recruit in boot camp, didn’t listen, and ended up getting hurt.

“During the training, the chief said, ‘Do not jump off the top [bed]. You climb down,’” Allen said. “Well, I wasn’t listening. I was talking to my friend. And what happened? I jumped down, and [got hurt].”

Allen also talked about his job with the Navy. He was a Marine corpsman, and a Master Chief.

“When I was with the Marines … I was a medic,” Allen said. “And when somebody got hurt – and someone usually did, probably because they weren’t listening … I took care of them.”

He also explained his various badges, and dress uniform decorations, including the stripes on his left sleeve, which represented his time in the service.

“Each of the stripes means four years,” Allen said.

The students peppered Allen with questions, including about his medals, and how many people he saved during his time in the service.

“Well, it depends,” Allen said, after a pause, in response to the latter question. “When you teach people, and they listen, and they do their job properly, they do not get hurt. … And, most importantly, is to ask questions.”

Suzanne Allen said she was impressed with the students, and that they asked some questions she never would have thought to ask.

“They learned to be thankful for people who have helped them, to keep them safe, and protect their country,” Allen said. “We need to remember all these people that are in the military.”