Keeping with tradition, Sand Hill Elementary held its annual Veteran’s Day Program on Nov. 10.

Students were encouraged to “bring a veteran to school” where they were recognized and honored during an assembly in the cafeteria and then treated to refreshments afterward. 

Assistant Principal David Smith, a member of the165th Air Wing National Guard, began the program with a moment of silence followed by the presentation of the colors by the 165th Color Guard.

Following the singing of the National Anthem, Pledge of Allegiance and special music by the fifth grade chorus, special guest speaker Lt. Col. Rainer Gomez was introduced. Lt. Col. Gomez is the air operations officer and chief of staff for the 165th Airlift Wing. Among the many awards he has received for his service are the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medals, Aerial Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and the Kuwait Liberation Medal. Lt. Col. Gomez is a master navigator with over 5,000 flight hours. He has flown the T-37, T-43, B-52G and C-130E/H2 aircrafts.