Published On: November 11th, 2019By

Meet an Aldine ISD Veteran

Veterans Day is a day to celebrate and honor Veterans for their patriotism and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good. The day originated as “Armistice Day” on November 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. In 1926, Congress passed a resolution for an annual observance day and November 11 became a national holiday in 1938. According to History.com, 18.2 million living veterans served during at lease one war as of 2018.

Throughout out the day Aldine ISD students and staff will take time to recognize Veterans through Veterans Day programs, letter writing, artwork and more. 

Aldine Veterans

There are more than 200 past and present Aldine Veterans who have responded to this call. All services are represented: United States Army, United States Navy, United States Air Force, United States Marines, and the United States Coast Guard. 

Meet some of our Aldine ISD Veterans: 

Anthony Bullock

Campus: Davis High School 
Title: Aerospace Science Instructor 

Sgt. Bullock served in the United States Air Force. His highest rank was Master Sergeant. He served in numerous locations including Alaska, Colorado, Delaware,  Korea, North Carolina, Saudi Arabia and Texas. During his time in the military he held several occupations. He served as an Air Force Technical Training School Instructor, Equal Opportunity and Treatment Counselor, and an Enlisted and Officer Accessions Recruiter. 

“The Air Force broadened my vision and scope concerning the world and world affairs,” Sgt. Bullock said. “It gave me new perspectives on religion it offered me financial freedom.” 

After working at the basic military and technical training center, Sgt. Bullock’s love for education and desire to give back to his community led him to his current job as an educator. 

Mark Mitchell

Human Resources 
Title: Assistant Director of Human Resources

Mr. Mitchell served in the United States Army from 1984-1986. His highest rank was E-4 in the military. He was stationed at FORT HOOD, Texas. During his time in the military he worked in communications. 

“The military gave me the opportunity to mature and become more disciplined,” Mitchell said. “It also paid for my undergraduate and master’s degree.” 

After years of working in accounting Mitchell came to work in education. His role in Human Resources allows him to use leadership skills he learned in the Army. Mitchell believes the military is an incredible opportunity and it will give you skills you can use for a lifetime. 

K’Nara Utley

Campus: Francis Elementary
Title: 4th Grade Teacher 

Ms. Utley currently serves in the United States Army Reserve as a Sergeant. She has been serving for six years. Over the years she has worked in the 91 Bravo as a Wheeled Diesel Engine Mechanic. 

“My service and experience has positively affected my life, by providing me with the opportunity to grow as an adult,” Utley said. “I’ve learned about financial stability, organization, and discipline.”  

Utley’s personal educational experiences led her to be a teacher. She was influenced by the positive interactions with her teachers and knew she could impact the lives of others by being an educator. Her advice to students looking into military post graduation is to look at the opportunities and if it works for you, go for it!
 

Jabari Collins

Campus: Carver High School
Title: Technical Theatre Teacher 

Mr. Collins is a decorated Veteran serving in the United States Army for 4 years as an E-4. He served as a Power Generator Repair Specialist in 52 Delta. He also served in Operation Iraq Freedom on the joint Army/Air Force military base Anaconda/Balad from 2008 – 2009.

Collins is a 1999 alumni of Aldine High School. After serving in the military he decided to come back to serve his community. For the past eight years, Mr. Collins has been working as a theatre teacher at Carver High School. In 2015, he won Teacher of the Year at his campus and was a Secondary Teacher of the Year finalist. 

Linda Reed

Campus: Vines EC/PK/K
Title: Principal

Ms. Reed served in the Air National Guard in both Mississippi and Texas. Her highest rank was Master Sergeant and she served as an Administration Specialist, First Sergeant and Training Manager. Upon enlisting in the military, Reed experienced instant maturity and immediate responsibility. These are qualities that positively impacted her life. Reed always wanted to be a teacher and her time in the military continues to help her daily as a principal. 

“My experience in the military taught me teamwork, readiness skills, respect for others, and most importantly integrity and honesty,” Reed said.

Reed wants anyone thinking of joining the military to know that it is a wonderful choice for a career, whether it is active duty or Reserves, or Guard. “If you need assistance to help pay for college or if college is not for you, I recommend you talk to recruiters from each branch to see which opportunity is best for you.” Reed joined the military to help pay for college and stayed for 20 years. 

Anthony E. Emmerling Jr.

Campus: Aldine High School
Title: Senior Aerospace Science Instructor

Mr. Emmerling served in the United States Air Force and retired as a Major. He served in Alabama, Germany, Illinois, Florida, New Mexico, and Texas. Emmerling worked in Cyberspace Operations during his time in the military. 

“My service gave me benefits for myself and my entire family,” Emmerling said. “I earned four college degrees at no cost because of military benefits.” 

Retired military members are eligible to work as JROTC instructors. This allows Emmerling to still exist in the military environment during retirement and positively influence students’ lives. Emmerling would like students to know that military pay and educational benefits are unmatched. 

Susana Bazan

Campus: Spence Elementary
Title: Principal

Ms. Bazan served in the U.S. Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd class, where she worked in Support Aviation. During her time in the Navy, she was given the opportunity to travel and learn new traditions and cultures. She acquired skills that helped her prepare for the workforce and is still using skills she learned in the military as a principal. 

“My time in the military helped shape the person that I am today,” Bazan said. “I am driven, focused, and goal oriented.” 

After completing four years in the military, Bazan came to Houston and was offered an opportunity to apply for a bilingual education teaching program.  A grant allowed her to complete a bachelor’s degree at the University of Saint Thomas. Bazan found her passion of working with English Language Learners while studying at The University of Saint Thomas. Soon after graduation she began teaching Kindergarten, 4th and 5th grade bilingual students.
“My military experience taught me the meaning of perseverance, resilience, and determination.” 
Bazan’s advice to students who are thinking about the military post graduation is to follow their heart and make the decision that is best for them.  She also encourages students to research the branch that they are interested in and join with a buddy if possible.  

About the Author: Valonia Walker, APR

Senior Communications Specialist