SA Honors Military Heroes on Veterans Day

Jim Balet, who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy and served for five years as an officer in the Marine Corps before pursuing a career in business, spoke to students in the Lower School about the origin of Veterans Day, the work of our armed forces, and the importance of service. The assembly was facilitated by the Lower School Student Council.

The Middle and Senior School assembly opened with the Senior School chorus’ rendition of the National Anthem, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led my Senior School President Prateek. Lieutenant Colonel Bryan Christopher Glass shared personal reflections of his experience in the military. He was directly commissioned into the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps in 1999. During his career, he has served in Germany, South Korea, Uganda, Mauritania, and Djibouti. He roles have included 153rd Legal Operations Detachment in Pittsburgh; with the 464th Chemical Brigade as trial counsel and HHC (Headquarters) company commander; the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command as Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, the United States Military Academy at West Point as the Chief of Legal Assistance; the Special Operations Command Africa as Legal Advisor; and the Army Reserve Legal Command as the G-35, Chief of Plans. He is currently the Group Judge Advocate of the 301st Regional Support Group in Butler, PA.

Lieutenant Colonel Glass graduated from the Judge Advocate Officer Basic Course, the Judge Advocate Officer Advanced Course, the Command and General Staff College, and the U.S. Naval War College Command and Staff program with distinction. He is licensed to practice law in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, and is currently a principal of Greye Glass Associates, Inc., an electrical equipment engineering and sales firm in Pittsburgh which focuses on major electrical equipment for utilities and offshore wind farms.

Several veterans, who are friends of the Academy, attended, and were asked to stand so they could be recognized. The gathering concluded with juniors Nick and Noah playing Taps on their trumpets to pay homage to those who gave their lives on behalf of this nation.

Veterans, thank you for your service!

Visit our Facebook page to see pictures from both assemblies and watch highlights from the Middle and Senior School assembly.