Honoring Veterans

Thank you again for your service to our Nation.

Veterans, Students, Families, Staff, and Park Hill Community,

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Guest Speaker

Lieutenant Colonel Jose R. Vasquez

Lieutenant Colonel Jose R. Vasquez, a native of El Paso, Texas, was commissioned as an officer through the Early Commissioning Program at Marion Military Institute in 1999. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and assessed into the Infantry in 2001. Prior to commissioning, he served in the National Guard for three years, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 20th Special Forces Group.

His first assignment took him to Camp Casey, Korea, where he served as a rifle company platoon leader and executive officer in the 1st Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division. He later deployed to Friedberg, Germany, with the 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, where he held various leadership roles, including company executive officer, support platoon leader, battalion motor officer, and assistant operations officer in the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment. During this time, he deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, from 2004 and again from 2006-2007.

After completing the Maneuver Captains’ Career Course at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Lieutenant Colonel Vasquez took command of a light cavalry troop in the 3rd Squadron, 71st Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York. In this role, he deployed to Afghanistan as a troop commander in 2009. Following this deployment, he served as a small group leader at the Maneuver Captains’ Career Course at Fort Benning, Georgia, before attending the Air Command and Staff College and the School of Advanced Military Studies.

Lieutenant Colonel Vasquez continued his distinguished career at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he was selected to assist in establishing Train, Advise, Assist Command – East (TAAC-E) in Afghanistan from 2014-2015, serving as Chief of Plans. After redeploying, he was assigned to 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, where he served as Battalion Operations Officer for the 3rd Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, and later as Brigade Operations Officer. He subsequently served as the Director of Curriculum Development at the U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Warfare School in Quantico, Virginia.

In February 2019, Lieutenant Colonel Vasquez assumed command of the 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. His final duty assignment began in July 2021 with the Mission Command Training Program at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, where he served as the Special Operations Forces Movement and Maneuver Chief within Operations Group Juliet. He was later selected as the first Deputy Director of Operations, playing a pivotal role in reorganizing the Mission Command Training Center.

Lieutenant Colonel Vasquez’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf cluster, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Ranger Tab, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. He holds a Master’s in Military Operational Art from the U.S. Air Force Air Command and Staff College, and a Master’s from the U.S. Army School of Advanced Military Studies.

Lieutenant Colonel Vasquez is married to Tristan, a former military police officer and Bronze Star with Valor recipient, from Cody, Wyoming. They have two children, Samuel (15) and Carlos (12).

Guest Speaker

Lieutenant General Milford H. Beagle, Jr.

Commanding General, U.S. Army Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, KS

Commandant, U.S. Army Command and General Staff College

Deputy Commanding General for Combined Arms, U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command

Lieutenant General Milford “Beags” Beagle, Jr. was commissioned as an Infantry Officer upon graduation from South Carolina State University in 1990 as a distinguished military graduate.

Lieutenant General Beagle holds master’s degrees from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, and the United States Army School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS), Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Lieutenant General Beagle has served in multiple leadership capacities from the platoon to division level. He has served in combat in both Iraq and Afghanistan in positions ranging from operations officer in tactical combat units to Advisor as part of NATO missions. His career assignments have spanned the globe from Hawaii to the Republic of South Korea.

His most recent assignments were as the Deputy Commanding General (Support), 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry), Fort Drum, NY where he was forward deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, Iraq. He then served as the 51st Commanding General of the United States Army Training Center and Fort Jackson, SC. He next served as the Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry) and Fort Drum, NY. He currently serves as the Commanding General, Combined Arms Center and Fort Leavenworth, KS.

Lieutenant General Beagle and his wife Pam have two children, Jordan (Spouse - Valencia) and Jayden.

Guest Speakers

Captain Kyle Hatzinger

Captain Kyle Hatzinger is currently stationed at Fort Leavenworth as Force Manager in the Department of Sustainment & FM Command & General Staff College. He received his Bachelor of Science from West Point and was commissioned as an Infantry officer out of West Point in 2006. He has served two tours in Iraq; first in 2008 with the 101st Airborne as a rifle platoon leader and second in 2011 as a tank company commander. Captain Hatzinger returned to West Point in 2015 where he both taught and received his Master of Arts in history.

Captain Kyle Hatzinger worked as part of Army Futures Command from 2018 to 2021, during which he earned his Doctor of Philosophy in History.

Captain Stacey A. Prescott

Captain Stacey Prescott grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and graduated from Park Hill High School in 1993.  She graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering (Astronautics track). She holds a Master of Science in Global Leadership from the University of San Diego (2006), and a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the Naval Postgraduate School (2008).

After earning her wings of gold, CAPT Prescott was trained and qualified to pilot the SH-60B helicopter. While assigned to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light FOUR FIVE (HSL-45) from 2000 to 2003, CAPT Prescott conducted two operational deployments to the Middle East.
Following her sea tour, CAPT Prescott reported to the Fleet Replacement Squadron, Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron FOUR ONE (HSM-41) and held various positions to include Flight Instructor, Aviation Safety Officer, and Training Department Head. In her nine years of flying, CAPT Prescott accumulated over 1,700 flight hours, including 100 hours in the MH-60R helicopter.

In addition to various campaigns, service and unit awards, CAPT Prescott’s personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (Strike/Flight-2), Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Award (two awards).

Guest Speaker

Colonel Kevin E. ClarkCommanding Officer, Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leavenworth, KS

Colonel Clark enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1989.  Following initial training, he augmented Anti-Tank Co, 2d Tank Battalion as a TOW Gunner and participated in combat operations in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM.  While in the Reserve Component, he attained the rank of sergeant and served as a squad leader in 24th Marine Regiment.  Upon graduating the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1995, he was commissioned through the Platoon Leaders Course and became an infantry officer.  From 1996-1999, he served as a Rifle Platoon Commander and Company Executive Officer in 2d Battalion, 6th Marines, participating in deployments to Panama and Okinawa, Japan. 

From 2003-2004, he served as a Rifle Company Commander with 3rd Battalion, 8th Marines and deployed to Okinawa, Japan and Port au Prince, Haiti.  During Operation SECURE TOMORROW, he led the first wave of Marines to Haiti and repelled a rebel force to restore security in the wake of a coup.  From 2004-2006, he served as Assistant Operations Officer, Regimental Combat Team 8 and deployed to Fallujah, Iraq in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM (OIF).  As the Iraqi Security Force Director in Fallujah, he stood up an Iraqi Police force and built capacity in multiple Iraqi Army formations.  From 2007-2008, he served as Battalion Executive Officer, 3rd Battalion, 23rd Marines and deployed to Haditha, Iraq where he participated in combat operations with partnered Iraqi Security Forces.  From 2010-2011 he served as an operations planner with 2nd Marine Division (FWD) and deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.  From 2011-2014, he commanded 2nd Battalion, 8th Marines and led multiple combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. From 2018-2020, he commanded 1st Marine Regiment in Camp Pendleton, CA and led various joint and combined exercises in the United States and overseas.

His service in the supporting establishment includes: Company Commander and Aide de Camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego (1999-2002); Inspector-Instructor, Little Rock, Arkansas (2006-2009).  He completed a joint assignment with U.S. Strategic Command (2015-2018) and currently serves as the Commanding Officer, U.S. Marine Corps Detachment, Fort Leavenworth, KS.

In addition to The Basic School and the Infantry Officers Course, Colonel Clark is a graduate of the Mountain Leader Course, Jungle Warfare School, Expeditionary Warfare School, Counterinsurgency Academy, and U.S. Army Command & General Staff College.  In 2015, he completed a Fellowship with the International Security Studies Department at Yale University where he studied grand strategy.  Colonel Clark is married to the former Beth Tate of Kansas City, Missouri.  They have 3 children; Jake, Lauren, and Tommy. 

His personal decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star medal with Valor Device and two gold stars, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, and the Combat Action Ribbon with two gold stars.

Student Speakers:

Jordon Brooks

Lucas Blahnik

Molly Collins

Jada Ray

Grace Dantzcher

AuJunay Nolan

Jacob Myszka

Ashlie Spaulding

Guest Speaker

LTC Stacy E. Rodgers

Guest Speaker

John "Knuckles" Jarred Major, USMC

Maj Jarred is a native of Kansas City, MO. After graduating from Park Hill High School in 2003, he attended the United States Naval Academy. He wrestled all four years at the Academy and was selected by his teammates as team captain during his senior year. Upon graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2007, Second Lieutenant Jarred was commissioned into the U.S. Marine Corps.

After graduating from The Basic School in January 2008, Second Lieutenant Jarred attended flight school, flying the T-34C aircraft in Training Squadron Six (VT-6) in Pensacola, FL, followed by flying the T-45C aircraft in Training Squadron 21 (VT-21) in Kingsville, TX. First Lieutenant Jarred then reported to Marine Attack Training Squadron 203 (VMAT-203) for initial AV-8B Harrier training, which he completed in March 2011.

In April 2011, First Lieutenant Jarred reported to his first fleet unit, Marine Attack Squadron 231 (VMA-231). While in VMA-231, now Capt. Jarred served as the Administration Officer, Powerline Officer in Charge, and Logistics Officer. He deployed aboard the USS Kearsarge in support of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) in March 2013.

In 2014, Capt. Jarred completed Tactical Air Control Party School and was assigned to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. He served as the Battalion Air Officer from August 2014 to June 2015, preparing and training Joint Terminal Attack Controllers who deployed throughout the Pacific theater in support of multiple bilateral exercises.

Capt. Jarred returned to his fleet unit, VMA-231, in July 2015. After completing a quick refresh syllabus in the AV-8B, he earned his Air Combat Tactics and Low Altitude Tactics Instructor qualifications. He attended the Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI) course in April 2016 and served as the Powerline Officer in Charge, Pilot Training Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. In October 2016, Capt. Jarred deployed to Isa Air Base, Bahrain, as part of Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force–Crisis Response–Central Command in support of Operation INHERENT RESOLVE. During this deployment, the squadron flew Deep and Close Air Support combat missions in support of Coalition Forces.

Maj Jarred has over 1,000 flight hours in the AV-8B. His personal decorations include the Individual Air Medal for actions in Operation OLYMPUS I, Strike/Flight Air Medals with numeral four, and two Sea Service Deployment Ribbons.

Maj Jarred is married to Brittney Jarred of Pensacola, FL. Together, they have three children: Caroline, Oliver, and Huck.

Guest Speaker

LTC Stephen "Steve" Boone Skelton

From the State of Missouri, LTC Stephen "Steve" Boone Skelton was commissioned into the Ordnance Branch through the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Central Missouri State University in 1997. Upon graduation, he completed the Ordnance Basic Branch Course and reported to the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he served as the Regimental Ammunition Officer in both Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also served as a Maintenance Control Officer, Squadron S-1, and Executive Assistant to the Regimental Commander. After attending the Combined Logistics Captains Career Course, he reported for duty in Germany in 2000 with the 1st Infantry Division. There, he served as a Brigade Maintenance Officer and deployed to Kosovo as a Battalion S-3 (Operations Officer). He later took command of the Heavy Maintenance Company, 701st Main Support Battalion, 1st Infantry Division, and deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005.

Following successful company command, LTC Skelton left the Army to work for Dell Inc. in Cincinnati, Ohio, as an Operations Manager for the Dell Fulfillment Center. He decided to return to duty in 2007 with Special Operations Command Central at MacDill AFB, serving as an Executive Officer and subsequently transitioning into the Active Army Reserve Program.

LTC Skelton was then assigned to the 7th Army Civil Support Command in Germany in 2007 as Secretary of the General Staff (SGS). He also served as Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General of the EUCOM Joint Assessment Team in the Republic of Georgia during the conflict with Russia. Following his assignment in Germany, LTC Skelton was selected to command the Regional Training Site – Maintenance, a professional development school for non-commissioned officers at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. After command, he attended the Combined General Staff College – Intermediate Level Education (ILE) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Following ILE in 2011, he reported to Fort Belvoir, Virginia, as the Deputy Commander of the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program (LOGCAP) Support Brigade. LTC Skelton was then selected as one of the Army representatives to attend the Service Chiefs Fellowship with the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and was subsequently assigned to the Office of the Chief, Army Reserve, in the Strategic Equipping Division. He was later selected for battalion command, where he currently commands 124 Soldiers.

LTC Skelton is married to the former Amanda Wiggins of Churchill, Tennessee; they have two sons: Steven (24) and Brady (16). He enjoys all things conveniently found in Colorado—hunting, fishing, traveling, hiking, and boating.

Guest Speaker

LTC Drew Fletcher: Director, Army Knowledge Management ProponentLTC Fletcher is a native of Lynn, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Army in 1987 as a Combat Engineer, then graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, where he was commissioned as an Armor Officer in 1994. As a Lieutenant, he served as a Platoon Leader, Executive Officer, S3-Air, and Company Commander in 1^st Battalion, 67^th Armored Regiment in Fort Hood, Texas. Following the Armor Officer Advanced Course in 1999, he was assigned to the 11^th Armored Cavalry Regiment where he commanded Golf Troop, 2^nd Squadron, and subsequently Headquarters/Headquarters Troop, 11^th ACR. From 2002-2006, LTC Fletcher was assigned to 5^th Army and served as the 2^nd BDE Operations Advisor to the 40th Infantry Division of the California Army National Guard.

After being accepted to the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California, LTC Fletcher received a Master of Science degree in Modeling and Simulations. He then attended the Command and General Staff College, graduating in 2009, when he was assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division as the Division Knowledge Management Officer and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom VII. Upon redeployment, LTC Fletcher was assigned to United States Army Europe (USAREUR) in Heidelberg, Germany, where he served as the USAREUR Chief of Knowledge Management. In 2013, he returned to the United States at the National Simulation Center in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas as the Project Manager for the Army Low Overhead Training Toolkit.

LTC Fletcher's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (w/2 OLC), Army Commendation Medal (w/1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal (w/4 OLC), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Bronze Order of St. George, and the Legionnaire Order of St. Maurice.

LTC Fletcher and his wife, Cara, of 20 years, have three children.