Honoring Service: Veterans in the Classroom Appreciation Luncheon

I had the distinct honor of joining Superintendent Dr. Scott Hebert, Citrus County Schools staff, and my fellow School Board Members at the annual Veterans in the Classroom Appreciation Luncheon. This special event served as a heartfelt tribute to our local veterans, who generously dedicate their time and experiences to enriching students’ lives through the Veterans in the Classroom (VITC) program.

Since its inception in 1993, VITC—an initiative of Citrus County Schools—has fostered meaningful connections between students and former military servicemen and women. Over the years, it has positively impacted approximately 250,000 students, offering firsthand accounts of history, service, and sacrifice. This year alone, nearly 8,000 students across elementary, middle, and high schools had the privilege of learning from nearly 90 dedicated veterans. Through their personal stories, these veterans provide profound insights into how military service shaped their character and worldview. As one of the nation’s largest initiatives of its kind, the VITC program stands as a testament to our district’s commitment to honoring and learning from those who served.

The stories shared during these classroom visits offer students a deeper, more personal understanding of military life—the challenges faced, the resilience required, and the dedication it takes to serve our nation. By participating in the program, veterans bring history to life, allowing students to connect with the realities of service in a way that textbooks alone cannot convey.

The appreciation luncheon was a moving celebration of our community’s deep gratitude for these veterans. The ceremony began with an honor guard entrance, as veterans walked beneath crossed swords held by the Crystal River High School Navy JROTC and Lecanto High School Army JROTC cadets. The Citrus High School Air Force JROTC Color Guard presented the colors, setting a tone of dignity and respect. Hailey Story, a seventh grader from Inverness Middle School, led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation delivered by VITC veteran Michael Belkin. Attendees were then treated to a stirring performance by the Citrus High School Chamber Choir, whose harmonious voices added a special touch to the event. Meanwhile, Culinary Arts students from Withlacoochee Technical College prepared and served a delicious meal, showcasing their skills while honoring those who have served.

One of the most poignant moments of the luncheon came when each veteran took the stage, one by one, to introduce themselves and reflect on their military journey. These heartfelt exchanges highlighted not only the camaraderie among these brave men and women but also their shared passion for educating the next generation.

One VITC veteran spoke about the importance of sacrifice and respect, sharing a powerful story about escorting the caskets of three fallen soldiers. He described how students listened in complete silence, absorbing the weight of the moment as he explained to the students a special slow salute and the meaning behind its reverse—a gesture symbolizing the deepest respect for those who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Another VITC volunteer, Kristine Overacker, a young retired Marine Corps veteran, recounted speaking to a group of elementary students about why we have a military in an age-appropriate discussion. She used simple yet impactful examples to illustrate the vital role of those who serve in protecting our country. She described how the students were captivated, and when she finished, a brief silence filled the room before a few heads nodded—an acknowledgment that the lesson had truly resonated.

As a token of appreciation, each veteran received a thank-you pin from Dr. Hebert and the Citrus County School District, along with a handmade thank-you picture crafted by elementary students. These personal gestures added a heartfelt touch to the celebration, reminding everyone present of the deep connection between past generations of service members and the young minds they continue to inspire.

Citrus County Schools remains deeply committed to honoring veterans and ensuring students understand the significance of their sacrifices. The Veterans in the Classroom program is more than just a series of classroom visits—it is a living tribute to our community’s dedication to preserving veterans’ stories and passing them on to future generations. Veterans who participate in this program contribute to a lasting legacy of honor, remembrance, and education, while students gain a deeper, more nuanced understanding of history, service, and sacrifice.

The program is expertly coordinated by Dr. Al Balk, Supervisor of Instructional Materials for Citrus County Schools, in collaboration with Dr. Mark Bodenheim and the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA). Their dedication ensures that this invaluable program continues to thrive and inspire students year after year.

If you are a veteran interested in joining the 2025-2026 Veterans in the Classroom program, we encourage you to reach out! Please contact Dr. Balk at (352) 726-1931 ext. 2490 or email balka@citrusschools.org. You can also connect with Citrus County MOAA via their website at https://moaafl.org/chapters/citruscounty/.

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