RKYHS students had the opportunity to honor America’s veterans on Veterans Day. Students heard from Linda Maloney, an award-winning author and former military officer. Maloney spent 20 years in the Navy, flying both the A-6 intruder and EA-Prowler. She was one of the first women in U.S. history to join a combat military flying squadron and received numerous military awards, including the distinguished air medal for combat, awarded for flights flown over Southern Iraq in the support of the no-fly zone.

Maloney spoke about the meaning and history of Veterans Day and the importance of serving her country. She shared her personal experiences, including women and gender in the military. Maloney also used the lessons she learned in the Navy as a metaphor for the students in setting goals, establishing a flight plan to achieve those goals and tips on how to stay on course to reach their destination.

Throughout the day RKYHS students wore American flag pins and collected donations to support Community Hope, and organization that rescues veterans from homelessness. Students also had the opportunity at the day’s assembly to honor RKYHS faculty member James Smith, who served in the U.S. Navy in Active Duty and Reserves for 22 years.