Today is a day we pause to honor all veterans. Please take some time today to reflect on what their service means to/for you. I️ honor all veterans, who have selflessly served this great country. I️ am honored to have served with the best, to have worn the uniform of the United States Navy, to send my child, now a man, to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. I am blessed to stand for our anthem, to salute our flag, and to be an American. 

My commitment to serving didn’t stop with the military.  I continue to stand for freedom when it comes to school choice.  I believe that we, as parents, should have the right to have access to all forms of education for our children, without the binds and restraints of zip codes.  I, along with my fellow PSO members, will continue this battle for education equity every day, in every state.  

All over the world, families are serving selflessly for this country.  Many moving their families from state to state, country to country, which means their children are in and out of many different schools.  Offering families multiple school options, no matter where they are stationed, is a way we can support our military.  All too often these families find themselves stuck in schools that may not best serve their children due to the location of a base, limited access to options, or temporary duty that does not allow for firm roots.  I know that I, along with my fellow advocates in the movement, will continue to work diligently to ensure that there are high-quality options available for all families, most especially our military families, wherever their service takes them. 

I’d like to thank you, my fellow advocates, for your commitment to service.  Many of you have served our country, are currently serving, and many of you have continued to serve your communities.

On this day, and all others, it is important to remember “All gave some, and some gave all”.

~Colleen Cook, PSO Board President & Proud Navy Veteran