Veterans Day Celebration 2024

When: Monday, November 11, 9:15 – 11:15am

Where: Heritage Christian School (255 Hackberry St, North Liberty, IA 52317)

Heritage Christian School is hosting our Veterans Day Celebration on Monday, November 11 from 9:15am-11:15am. As part of an annual tradition, community members and parents are invited to join the students and staff of Heritage Christian School to honor and thank present and past members of the United States Armed Forces. Classes are suspended for the morning as the entire school participates in the half-day program.  The program will feature instrumental and choral performances, an Armed Forces Salute, and presentation of the colors.

Our guest speaker will be Retired Air Force Major Kent Christen. Kent “Frag” Christen grew up in Guttenberg, Iowa and graduated from Guttenberg High School in 1988.  He attended the University of Iowa and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in History in 1992 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force the same day.  Kent entered active duty at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas to attend the Intelligence Applications Officer Course.  After graduating, he served for 20 years at duty stations in Korea, Florida, Texas, Georgia, and Illinois with temporary assignments to Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.  During his career, he served as a flight instructor and evaluator, a formal schools instructor, Group Senior Intelligence Officer, ROTC instructor, and as the analyst for a Provincial Reconstruction Team in Afghanistan.  After the attacks on September 11, 2001, Kent deployed twice for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001 and 2009 and once for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007.  Along the way, he earned two Bronze Star Medals, a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, Air Force Non-rated Aircrew Wings, a Master Intelligence Badge, and a Combat Action Badge.  Kent retired in 2013 and worked for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency for six years before moving with his family to Coralville and going to work for the City of Cedar Rapids as an analyst.  Kent, his wife, and his two adult sons attend Grace Community Church in North Liberty.

At the end of the event, each Heritage student shakes the hand of each veteran in attendance, thanking them for their service. It is a very memorable and special event that you will not want to miss.

Comments and questions can be directed to Brian Goodbar, Heritage Christian School Head of School, 255 Hackberry St., North Liberty, goodbarb@hcs-nl.com, 319-626-4777.