In time for Veterans Day, the Rock Island-Milan School District #41 (RIMSD) would like to recognize our district employees who have served in the Armed Forces.
To them, and all who have served our nation, thank you today and every day for your bravery and sacrifice.
Name: Troy Bevans - IT Director, Administration Center
Branch served: Marine Corps
Reflection of service: Serving in the Marine Corps was undoubtedly one of the most impactful periods of my life. The experiences I gained during this time have shaped me into the person I am today. These experiences, both joyous and challenging, forged bonds that will last a lifetime and is where I learned the true meaning of leadership, teamwork, and sacrifice.
In addition, the PRIDE of serving our great nation is a feeling that cannot be replicated. Knowing that I contributed to something larger than myself is a source of immense satisfaction. The picture I have submitted is from the day I graduated boot camp. After graduating, I was able to take 10 days of leave to go home before being sent to Marine Combat Training, then Okinawa, Japan. Fond memories, indeed!
Name: Jesse Wayland - EL Science Teacher, Rock Island High School
Branch served: Air Force
Name: Ambr Ruby - Earl Hanson Elementary
Branch served: Army
Name: Tim Sanders - Special Education Resource Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary
Branch served: Army
Name: Tonya Hanrahan - Rock Island High School
Branch served: Army
Reflection of service: I joined the Army Reserves at 17 years old, following in the footsteps of my Dad who was a Chief Warrant Officer in the Army. Knowing that I wanted to become an officer, I enrolled at NIU, Dekalb, IL which had a distinguished ROTC program and was close to my reserve unit, the 339th MP Company, Davenport, IA. I received my commission as a Military Police Officer in 1991 at the age of 21 and served for 13 years as both a Platoon Leader and Commander of a platoon and company. I am honored to have served this great country and to have met many patriotic, loyal, dedicated, and selfless people throughout my career. May we always keep our soldiers in our hearts and prayers as they continue to protect our freedoms!
Name: Steve Van De Walle - Thurgood Marshall Learning Center
Branch served: Army
Reflection of service: I was proud to enlist and serve our country in the U.S. ARMY. It gave me a chance to see and experience things I would have never had the opportunity to had I not enlisted. It taught me the power of a united team with a common mission.
I believe my experience as a soldier impacts me in a positive way everyday when I walk into my classroom. I strive to teach and inspire our scholars that there is so much more inside of them than any challenges they are dealing with in life! There is always more inside! #Empowering-Potential
Name: Mike Adams - Administration Center
Branch served: Navy
Reflection of service: I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! The experiences, skills and the people I met along the way, helped me navigate during a time of uncertainty.
Name: Dean Van Vooren - 6th Grade Teacher, Thomas Jefferson Elementary
Branch served: Army