Ark Valley News - Middle school recognized for supporting Navy reservist

Middle school administrators Jamie Wetig (second from left) and Kent Hipp (right) show the Patriot Awards they received from the Employer Support for Guard and Reserves for supporting school counselor (center) Rob Glenn's deployment. The awards were presented Jan. 16 by Robert McGregor (left) and Kyle Horlacher (second from right) with the Navy Operational Support Center.

Middle school recognized for supporting Navy reservist
By Chris Strunk
Last Updated: January 22, 2015

Valley Center Middle School was recognized last week for its support of the U.S. military.

The Employer Support for Guard and Reserves group, a division of the U.S. Department of Defense, gave Patriot Awards to Principal Kent Hipp and assistant principal Jamie Wetig on Jan. 16.

U.S. Navy reservist and longtime VCMS counselor Rob Glenn nominated the school for the award.

Glenn, a chief petty officer who is a personnel specialist with the Navy Operational Support Center in Wichita, said he is preparing for a year-long deployment to Djibouti, Africa, in June, which will take him away from the school for the entire 2015-16 school year.

Glenn has been a Navy reservist for 11 years. This will be his longest overseas deployment.

"USD 262 has always been really good about working with me," Glenn said.

Glenn said the district has promised that he will have his job when he returns.

The middle school is looking to hire a temporary counselor for next year.

Lt. Commander Kyle Horlacher said the district is removing at least "one stressor" from Glenn so he can focus on his mission.

"Thanks for letting him go," Horlacher said.

Wetig said the district is sacrificing "nothing compared to what" U.S. military men and women have to give up.