District 227 Honors Veterans for Their Service in Iraq and World War II

 

First Lieutenant Jenna Tabor, District 227 Business Concepts Instructor
Transport Officer, Iraq 

District 227 welcomes back Business Teacher and 1st Lieutenant Jenna Tabor, who recently returned home following a tour in Iraq. Tabor, with responsibility for 42 troops, served as Transportation Officer with oversight of equipment being transported out of Iraq. The  most difficult part of being away, Tabor recalls, is “missing your friends and family.”

One of the things she missed the most, she says, was her students.  “My experiences will help me when I get back in the classroom,” says Tabor. “The experiences of leading a group, being responsible for their well-being and protection, and teaching skills that you need to survive is the same skill set, on the field, or in the classroom.” Tabor, who tied the knot in October to husband John in Smokey Mountains, Tennessee, encourages the loved ones of those who are still serving to keep in touch. “A phone call makes all the difference.”

The Eastern Illinois University graduate, who teaches Business Concepts and Keyboarding, will end her eight-year assignment at the end of this year.

 

CW2 Gregory Holley, Jr., Rich Central Alumnus
Apache Pilot, Iraq

CW2 Gregory Holley, Jr., after two tours in Iraq, returned home to a hero’s parade, complete with a motorcade escort from the Soldier’s Guardian Angels, performances by the Rich Central Marching Band, and an award from Mayor Dwight Welch on behalf of the City of Country Club Hills.

 Holley, 28, a 2001 Rich Central alumnus, served as an Apache Pilot in Iraq, a highly-selective role held by less than 1% of the U.S. population, with the task of protecting groups on the ground. “I always wanted to be a pilot,” Holley told a group of Rich Central students, describing the $35 million apache helicopter as a, “flying computer.”

 “Never give up on your dreams,” he told the students. “Every day, you’re faced with  choices. Make sure to make the right ones, because  the choices you make steer you toward your dreams, or away from them.”

Christine Holley-Davis, Holley’s mom, surprised her son with the celebration in his honor. In the midst of his surprise, flanked by members of the Soldier’s Guardian Angels, the media, and a crowd of supporters, Holley was asked to describe how he felt. “Grateful,” he said. Holley went on to the Vietnam veterans in the group and shared his gratitude for their service which, Holley said, deserved “continued recognition and honor.” Holley’s brother, Christopher, also U.S. Army, is currently station in Iraq as a contractor. His grandfather, Augustus Wright, is a retired member of the U.S. Navy.

Holley’s wife Shoshawna joined her husband, along with their three children.

In Memory of Carl Dalke
World War II Veteran, 101st Airborne

District 227 salutes the heroic service of World War II Veteran, Carl Dalke, member of the 101st Airborne Division. Dalke often wore his uniform when teaching history classes at Rich East, giving students his first-hand experiences during The Battle of the Bulge and liberating concentration camps.   

To learn more about Carl Dalke and his heroic experiences, click here for a video by eNewsPark Forest, or read his obituary from the Southtown STAR.