VVUHSD salutes veterans: 64 employees recognized by district leaders

VICTORVILLE, Calif. (VVNG.com) — Victor Valley Union High School District leadership spent their day visiting more than 60 veterans who currently work in the district in celebration of Veterans Day, offering a token of appreciation for their service to our nation.

From teachers to security guards, from office assistants to instructional aides and counselors, 64 military veterans are current employees of VVUHSD. District board members and administrators surprised them on their campuses and in their classrooms on Thursday, thanking them for their service and offering each of them a Stanley mug with Amazon and Starbucks gift cards inside.

The recognition event was the first of its kind for the district, and several of the staff members said they were surprised and honored by the gesture.

“I walked a little taller and was very proud of my district,” said Marine veteran Jason Olmstead, Assistant Principal at Lakeview Leadership Academy.

Patricia “PJ” Ehart, an Air Force veteran and Cobalt Institute of Math and Science teacher, told the district in an email: “It is truly appreciated for the effort to make it happen, and the giving of your time to personally recognize us. Another reason why VVUHSD is the best district in the High Desert.”

Superintendent Carl Coles was joined by Board members Rosie Hinojos and Jose Berrios along with Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Michael Williford in visiting the veterans at VVUHSD campuses.

“We can’t thank them enough for what they have done for our country, and for their continued service to the community as educators and support staff in our district,” Coles said. “It was amazing visiting so many staff members, learning about their service, and even getting a chance to educate their students, who sometimes didn’t know their teacher had served. It was a memorable experience.”

Hinojos is himself a veteran, having served as an Army tank commander from 1961 to 1966, and he took great pride in helping to honor the staff.

“It was interesting to talk to them and find out what service they were in and for how long, as well as what jobs they did,” Hinojos said. “I certainly understand what it is to give up a portion of your life while you serve your country. It also takes a toll on families as they adjust their lives to having to move from one location to another or wait for a loved one while he or she is deployed.  But if you talk to any one of our veterans, they will all tell you that it was the greatest experience for them and that if they had to do it all over again, they certainly would. Thanks again to all of our district veterans. As we celebrate the Veteran’s Day weekend, I hope people take some time on Monday to remember why we have this holiday.”