The Rock Island Milan School District would like to recognize the service of RIMSD 41 employees who have served our country in the Armed Forces. We thank you for your brave service to our country and honor you today, November 11, 2026. Below are the Veterans in the district that we are honoring:

Veteran's Name: Melisa Hofer

Branch of Service: United States Navy

Veteran's Current Position: Building Sub at RICMS

Veteran's Reflection on Service: Proud to have served my country!

Veteran’s Name: Frank Mendoza

Branch of Service: Army

Veteran’s Current Position: Director of Building Operations

Veteran’s Reflection on Service: My service has been a great experience and taught me to be a better person, how to serve this community and the people in it, and overall given me a different perspective on life. The people I had an opportunity to serve with made me a better man and taught me the meaning of family.

Veteran's Name: Maritza Miles

Branch of Service: United States Army

Veteran's Current Position: Teacher at Longfellow Liberal Arts

Veteran's Name: Ambr Ruby

Branch of Service: United States Army Reserves

Veteran's Current Position: Special Education Instructor's Aide at Earl Hanson Elementary

Veteran's Name: Tim Sanders

Branch of Service: United States Army

Veteran's Current Position: Teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary

Veteran's Name: Steve Vandewalle

Branch of service: United States Army

Veteran's Current Position: Teacher at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center

Veteran's Reflection on Service: I was proud to enlist and serve our country in the U.S. Army. It gave me a chance to see and experience things I would have never had the opportunity to have had I not enlisted. It taught me the power of a united team with a common mission.

I believe my experience as a soldier impacts me in a positive way every day when I walk into my classroom. I strive to teach and inspire our scholars that there is so much more inside!

Veteran's Name: Dean Van Vooren

Branch of Service: United States Army

Veteran's Current Position: Teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary

Veteran's Name: Jesse Wayland

Branch of Service: United States Air Force

Veteran's Current Position: Teacher at Rock Island High School

Veteran's Reflection on Service: There is no greater honor than to serve your country.