Veterans Day holds a special place in my heart, both as a school leader and as the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran. My father served honorably and later dedicated himself to community service through our local VFW post. I grew up volunteering alongside him at events like our small town’s Rodeo and Apple Festival, witnessing the deep bonds veterans share and the values they uphold. Those experiences profoundly shaped my values and ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in education to pass those values along.
Now, as director of human resources in the Huntington Beach Union High School District (HBUHSD), I am honored to help establish a Marine Corps JROTC program at Marina High School. This program, which will open its doors in the fall of 2025, will allow our students to connect with the values that our veterans embody: dedication, resilience, and respect for service. JROTC offers young people a unique path to develop leadership and a sense of duty—qualities that benefit both individuals and the community.
JROTC: A Legacy of Service and Leadership
Marina High School has long stood out for academic excellence and community spirit, making it the perfect place for a JROTC program. Programs like JROTC foster self-discipline, accountability, and teamwork, building the essential skills students need for school, career, and life. Our JROTC cadets will learn the importance of setting goals, working through challenges, and supporting their peers—lessons that shape strong character and future-ready citizens. For some, JROTC may even be the first step toward a military career, carrying forward the torch of service lit by generations past.
HBUHSD and the Military Challenge Coin
Last year, Marina High School had 21 seniors commit to serving their country in one of our military branches after graduation. All were celebrated and presented with the HBUHSD Challenge Coin. A challenge coin is a small coin or medallion, bearing an organization’s insignia or emblem and carried by the organization’s members. Historically, Roman Legionnaires were given coins at the end of a day’s battle; these coins were specially minted and reflected different military units. Today, challenge coins are awarded to service members and law enforcement personnel.
A Grateful Tribute and a Commitment to the Future
As we honor those who served this Veterans Day, I am filled with gratitude, knowing that my father’s dedication lives on in the work we do today. By launching JROTC at Marina High, we are investing in our students, our community, and a legacy of service. This program represents a commitment to instill in our youth the values that strengthen our country.
