Honoring America’s Heroes: Purple Heart Day in Citrus County

Each August 7, our nation observed Purple Heart Day, a time to honor and remember the courage, sacrifice, and service of America’s wounded and fallen warriors. This past weekend, the community came together at the Inverness Elks Lodge 2522 in Hernando, Florida, for a heartfelt ceremony marking the 243rd anniversary of the Purple Heart. The event, hosted by the Aaron A. Weaver Chapter 776 Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), was a moving tribute to those who have endured the wounds of battle in defense of our freedoms.

The Purple Heart is among the most respected and recognizable military decorations. Since its inception, approximately 1.8 million Americans have received this honor. Today, there are an estimated 500,000 living recipients, with more than 140 right here in Citrus County.

The ceremony featured special proclamations from U.S. Congressman Gus Bilirakis’ aide Colby Dawson, State Representative J.J. Grow, and Citrus County Commissioner and Chairperson Rebecca Bays, each delivering messages of gratitude and respect for the recipients and their families.

One of the event’s traditions is the reading of the history of the Purple Heart, normally presented by Col. Curt Ebitz, U.S. Army (Ret.), a Purple Heart recipient and Adjutant of Chapter 776. Although Col. Ebitz was unable to attend this year, MOPH 776 Junior Vice Commander Jerry Frease stepped in and delivered the history with dignity and reverence.

He shared how the Purple Heart was reinstated on February 22, 1932, in honor of the bicentennial of George Washington’s birth. First created by Washington during the Revolutionary War as the Badge of Military Merit, the modern Purple Heart is awarded to those wounded or killed in action against an enemy of the United States, retroactive to April 5, 1917, the eve of America’s entry into World War I.

The medal’s design carries deep symbolism. It is a heart-shaped purple badge edged in gold, bearing a profile of George Washington on the front and the words “For Military Merit” on the back. The ribbon of purple silk with a silver border reflects both the honor and solemnity of the award.

As always, MOPH 776 Commander Richard Hunt led with warmth and sincerity, making every recipient feel recognized and appreciated. In a surprise moment, Commander Hunt “ambushed” two individuals with special Chapter 776 awards for their outstanding service to the organization.

Citrus County is proud to hold a unique distinction in Purple Heart history. On May 5, 2014, the Citrus County School District was recognized as the first Purple Heart School District in the nation, a testament to our community’s deep respect for those who serve and sacrifice.

As we reflect on Purple Heart Day, let us remember that the freedoms we enjoy were secured by those willing to give their all. May we continue to honor and support our Purple Heart Patriots, not only on August 7 but every single day.

God bless all our Purple Heart recipients—their valor, service, and commitment will forever inspire us.

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A Joyful Start: Citrus County Schools Welcome Back Teachers in Style

This morning, the Citrus County School District officially kicked off the 2025–26 school year with our annual Teacher Welcome Back event — a tradition that never fails to bring energy, inspiration, and unity to our educational community. This year was no exception.

From the moment our educators stepped into the Curtis Peterson Auditorium, they were greeted with cheers — literally — as spirited cheerleaders from all three high schools welcomed them with enthusiasm and school pride. The atmosphere was electric, setting the tone for a year built on encouragement, collaboration, and shared purpose.

Thanks to the generosity of community partners through the Citrus County Education Foundation, a delicious breakfast was provided to all staff by Mr. Bunch and his team at Oysters of Crystal River. In the LHS gymnasium, educators explored booths hosted by educational and community organizations, many of which helped sponsor the day’s events and offered valuable resources, support, and giveaways.

As teachers entered the theater, the Crystal River High School Band drum line provided a powerful rhythm and infectious excitement, filling the room with energy as people took their seats. The buzz of conversation and the beat of the drums built anticipation for what was to come.

The formal program began with Deputy Superintendent Jen Greco welcoming attendees and inviting the Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard to present the colors. Crystal River High School Dean Jessica Price delivered a beautiful rendition of the national anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to center the room in purpose and reflection.

Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert then took the stage and reminded us that this year’s guiding focus is on students, with the powerful reminder that we are all in this together. Just as he delivered that message, the audience came alive as Citrus High School’s Breez singers and band launched into a surprise flash mob performance of “We’re All in This Together” from High School Musical. The performance quickly brought the entire auditorium to its feet — clapping, cheering, and singing along — a joyful and symbolic start to the new year.

In a particularly meaningful moment, Dr. Hebert also introduced the incredible team of school resource officers, guardians, and law enforcement personnel who work every day to keep our students, schools, and staff safe. Joined on stage by Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent and Citrus County Schools Police Chief Rachel Montgomery, the safety team received a well-deserved standing ovation for their service and dedication.

The keynote speaker, Damon West — author of The Coffee Bean — then took the stage and captivated the audience with his inspirational story of resilience, transformation, and the power of choosing positivity even in difficult circumstances. His message left everyone energized and ready to begin the school year with renewed focus and purpose.

As we prepare to welcome students back to campus, today served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We are a team. We are a community. And we are — truly — all in this together.

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead.

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Training for What We Hope Never Happens — But Must Be Ready For

On Wednesday, I joined fellow school leaders, administrators, and district team members to observe one of the most intense and important trainings we conduct each year. Together, we watched our elite Citrus County Sheriff’s Office deputies, School Resource Officers, School Board Police Department, and School Guardians undergo a real-life Active Assailant Training — one they hope they will never have to use, but one they take incredibly seriously to ensure that, if needed, they are fully prepared to protect our students, staff, and every person on campus.

This year’s training, held at Rock Crusher Elementary, was more than a classroom session or tabletop exercise. It was a live simulation, complete with mock students from the CCSO Explorer Program, simulation victims, and team members acting out scenes of chaos and crisis — all in service of building rapid, coordinated responses that could save lives in the face of a real emergency.

As I shadowed the participants navigating a simulated tragedy — including a full school lockdown, classroom clearing, and a pursuit of an active assailant — I was struck by the realism and gravity of the moment. The screams, the urgency, the sound of live training rounds, and the raw emotion acted out by CCSO team members and student volunteers made it all feel incredibly real. My own heart pounded. My adrenaline surged. And I was reminded that while most of us only imagine such a nightmare, these professionals train to meet it head-on.

This was not just training for the sake of checking a box. It was preparation with purpose — scenario-based, emotionally intense, and deeply rooted in the goal of protecting lives.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Sheriff David Vincent, Chief Rachel Montgomery, the entire Citrus County Sheriff’s Office, School Board Police, our School Guardians, and all those who participated. Your dedication, discipline, and courage give our schools the foundation of safety they need to thrive.

We pray these moments never come.
But because of your work, we know we are not only safer —
We are ready.

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