Our event this year had a new look, with Brig. Gen. J. Derek Hill, USAF, Retired welcoming guests and introducing Michelle DiMuro, VHP Executive Director, who provided an overview of program activities and facilitated the panel discussion. Vietnam Veteran Frank Lambert closed the event by sharing why he supports the mission of Connecting Students with Veterans.

Panelists:

Captain Elizabeth Satran, a Senior Intelligence Duty Officer at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska, shared the impact of interviewing more than 20 veterans, and how their service stories have aided in her development professionally and personally.

Bret Lineburg, a World History and American Military History teacher, has volunteered as VHP Chapter Advisor at Cactus Shadows High School for the past 7 years, helping students capture the stories of 255 veterans. He received the 2022 Golden Bell Promise Award from the Arizona School Board Association, for maximizing student promise and showing outstanding student growth and success through the VHP program.

Major (Ret.) Clovis Jones, Jr. is a two-tour Vietnam veteran, retiring from military service as a dual rated Master Army Aviator and is the recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, 20 Air Medals with one “V” Device, two Army Commendation Medals, the Presidential Unit Citation and several other awards, decorations, and commendations.  His 56+ year aviation career includes 25 years of military service, and remainder as a private, corporate, and professional airline pilot. He is a retired FedEx Express MD-11 Captain.  He is the recent recipient of the FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and a leader in over a dozen aviation organizations.