Abbotsford School District to host public Veteran’s Day program
Once again this year the School District of Abbotsford will observe Veterans Day with the traditional Veterans Day Program in the North Gym on Monday, November 13th starting at 10 a.m.
All Veterans and community members are invited to attend. This program provides an opportunity for the Abbotsford community and students to gain an appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice that so many have made so we can enjoy the many freedoms we have today.
The highlight of the program this year will be the guest speaker. This year the guest speaker will be Lieutenant Commander Rick Dean Hoeg, II.
Hoeg graduated from Abbotsford High School in 1987. In the same year, he enlisted in the navy and reported to RTC Orlando for recruit training. He reported to USS Atlanta in Norfolk, Va. in August 1998 and served in the Machinery Division where he qualified various engine room watch stations and qualified Submarine Warfare (enlisted). He was honorably discharged from active duty in February 1993. Hoeg, re-enlisted to the Navy Reserves in Milwaukee, in August 1998.
He was assigned to Amphibious Construction Battalion ONE Detachment 1403 and Fleet Maintenance Unity 2309 as a Machinist’s Mate. During this time, LCDR Hoeg graduated from Milwaukee School of Engineering with a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology. He was granted a direction conversation to Construction Electrician in July 2001 and was transferred to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion TWO FIVE, Detachment 0725.
LCDR Hoeg was commissioned as an Ensign through the Direct Commission Officer Program in December 2004 and remained with NMCB TWO FIVE as the Assistant Bravo Company Commander. In January 2006, he mobilized and forward-deployed to Iraq where he served as Detachment Officer-in-Charge, Operation Department Action Officer, and Administration Officer. During the deployment, he was promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade. Returning from deployment, LCDR Hoeg continued to serve with NMCB TWO FIVE. His assignments included Operations Engineering Officer, Anti-terrorism Officer, and Bravo Company Commander, and was promoted to Lieutenant.
In August 2009, LCDR Hoeg mobilized and assigned to U. S. Naval Forces Southern Command as Future Operations Planner to support multinational exercises and Naval Humanitarian Assistance/ Foreign Disaster Relief efforts following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
From 2010 to 2011, LCDR Hoeg was assigned to the Regional Contingency Engineering Management Japan supporting Naval Facilities Command Far East exercise Liberty Champion 11.
From 2011 to 2013, he was assigned to the NAVFAC Contingency Engineering Unit as a Staff Officer. He received training toward Acquisition Certification. LCDR Hoeg returned to NMCB TWO FIVE in 2013 as Officer-In-Charge of more than 400 stateside personnel while the Battalion was forward deployed. Early in this assignment, he was promoted to Lieutenant Commander. LCDR Hoeg retired from service in May 2015.
LCDR Hoeg is a qualified Seabee Combat Warfare (officer), Fleet Marine Force (officer) and Submarine Warfare (enlisted). His awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy “E” Ribbon, Navy Good Conduct Medal, Navy Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Rifle Expert Medal and Pistol Expert Medal.
LCDR Hoeg is married to the former Anita Grubisic of New Berlin and resides in Spencer.
The school will also provide a luncheon following the program for all Veterans and spouses. The luncheon will start around 11 a.m. If you are interested in attending the luncheon please RSVP with the number of people attending to the Abbotsford High School office at 715-223-2386 by November 10.
