Board Update - Celebrating our Veterans

Tuesday, we pause as a school district and as a community to honor the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment to something greater than themselves have protected the freedoms and opportunities we hold dear. Veterans Day is not simply a date on the calendar—it is a reminder of the cost of freedom and the responsibility we all share to ensure their service is never forgotten.

Service is not abstract to me—it is personal. My own family has a history of answering the call, serving our country from Vietnam to the Gulf. My son graduated from Rifle High School in 2020, went on to the Naval Academy and graduated in 2024, and—following in his dad’s footsteps as a Marine—is now serving as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. The dedication of those who served our country and the sacrifices made by their spouses, children, and loved ones have taught me that military service is a family commitment. To every family in our district who has endured deployments, missed holidays, and the uncertainty that service often brings—thank you! Your strength is an act of service in itself.

Within our school district, we are blessed to have teachers, administrators, classified staff, and bus drivers who once served in uniform and now continue to serve in our schools. They carry with them the values of integrity, discipline, teamwork, and love of country. They may no longer wear a military uniform, but they wear the title of “educator,” and they serve with the same heart and dedication. To each of them—thank you for continuing your mission by investing in our students every day.  Your commitment to country reflects the same dedication you show to our community, and for that, we thank you.

We also honor the veterans within our community: parents, grandparents, first responders, business owners, and neighbors—ordinary people who did extraordinary things when their nation needed them. You are the quiet heroes among us. The way you lead, contribute, and support our schools reminds us that service does not end when the uniform is folded and put away.

And to our students—especially those who feel called to military service—you inspire us. Some of you are applying to service academies, exploring ROTC, or considering enlistment after graduation. Your willingness to step forward and serve something greater than yourselves speaks volumes about your character. We are proud of you, and we stand ready to support you every step of the way.

As a district, may we teach our children not only the history of our nation’s battles, but the humanity of those who fought them. May we remind them that courage is not the absence of fear—it is the decision to move forward in spite of it. And may we never take for granted the freedoms we enjoy today, bought by the sacrifice of yesterday.

To all veterans—past, present, and those yet to serve—thank you. We honor you today and every day.