This picture was taken in May 1990 after Boot Camp with Eric's dad, a Vietnam Navy Veteran who passed away in 2009. Eric is currently a Physical Education teacher at Bent Elementary School.
Veterans
On behalf of our Board of Education, faculty and staff, welcome to District 87's Veterans' site.
In recognition of their service to our nation, this site honors District 87 employees
who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
On behalf of a grateful district, we thank each of our veterans for his/her service.
Eric Christian, United States Navy 1990-1994
Jodi Hall, United States Navy 1992-2000
Jodi is currently a Science teacher at Bloomington High School.
J. Michael Matlock, Specialist 4th Class, United States Army 1969-1972
Mike served with the 1st of the 21st Artillery, 1st Cavalry Division Vietnam in 1970. Mike retired after serving as Head Custodian at Oakland Elementary School and is currently a crossing guard at Stevenson Elementary School.
Jay Smithson, United States Navy 1976-1981
Rank E-2 2nd Class Petty Officer stationed at Camp David and the White House, Jay worked under Presidents Carter and Reagan. Jay retired in 2016 after serving as District 87's Maintenance Supervisor and passed away later that year.
Bryan Wolfe, United States Air Force 1990-1994
This photo was taken at the end of Basic training in September 1990 when Bryan was 18 years old. Bryan was stationed at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. As a member of the 437 AGS, Bryan was a Crew Chief on the C0141B aircraft. Bryan is currently a Physical Education teacher at Oakland Elementary School.
Don Kirk, United States Army 1969-1970
Don served in Vietnam and received, among other awards, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Don retired after serving as the Head Custodian at Sheridan Elementary School.
Otis Kindle, United States Army
Otis served in the 59th Headquarters, 3rd Infantry, and was stationed in Germany. Otis retired as an Automotive Technology instructor at the Bloomington Area Career Center.
Bob Kirk, United States Army 1971-1974, Illinois National Guard 1984-1990
The picture was taken at the end of basic training in January 1972 (Bob was 19 years of age and was the rank of Pvt. 2). Bob spent two years in Darmstadt, West Germany as an atomic demolitions-munitions specialist. In the National Guard, Bob was a T.O.W. gunner obtaining the rank of SFC. Bob served District 87 as the Head Custodian at Sarah Raymond School of Early Education and is currently the courier for District 87.
Dennis Taylor, United States Navy 1976-1980
The picture was taken upon graduation from boot camp. As Aviation Structural Mechanic Second Class Petty Officer, Dennis' responsibilities included maintaining all aircraft main and auxiliary hydraulic power systems, actuating subsystems and landing gear. Dennis was the youngest Collateral Duty Inspector in the history of his squadron and was responsible for inspecting the work of other mechanics and certifying the ability of the aircraft to fly safely. Dennis was awarded the Navy Expeditionary Medal for service in the Indian Ocean related to the attempted rescue of the American hostages in Iran in April 1980. Dennis retired as a Social Studies teacher at Bloomington Jr. High School.