A College Preparatory Private School with Two Campuses in Suffolk, VA. Pre-Kindergarten – Grade 12.

Honoring Generations of Service and Sacrifice: NSA Celebrates Veterans Day 2024

Lieutenant Colonel Adam Tharp, United States Marine Corps, retired

With gratitude for the service, bravery and sacrifice of our nation's service members, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy honored those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our nation's freedom during our annual Veterans Day celebration, held on November 8 in the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center.

Head of School Mike Barclay

Head of School Mike Barclay began by welcoming attendees to the Main Campus, including NSA military families, keynote speaker and current parent Lieutenant Colonel Adam Tharp, United States Marine Corps, retired, veteran guests from nearby retirement community Lake Prince Woods, members of the Board of Trustees and other special guests. Mr. Barclay then introduced emcee Elizabeth Balka '25, who is a senior at NSA and the daughter of Commander Steve Balka, United States Navy, retired and Lieutenant Amy Balka, United States Navy.

Elizabeth Balka '25

"While many people realize that Veterans Day is an important day to honor our veterans, there are also many people who do not realize the historical significance behind this day," said Elizabeth. "Veterans Day originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of hostilities of World War I that occurred at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month. It is for this reason that we gather each year to recognize those who served and sacrificed so much for our country, as well as our freedom."

Abby and Aiden Russo
NSA Chorus

Elizabeth then welcomed Abby Russo '30 and Aiden Russo '32, children of Master Chief Petty Officer Gerald Russo, United States Navy, retired to the podium. They both led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance. Upper and Middle School Chorus students followed, singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “Hail to Nansemond-Suffolk” and “Let Freedom Ring.”

Kobi Eley '34

Kobi Eley '34, who is the daughter of U.S. Army Specialist Michael Eley and Heather Eley, then presented the poem "Veterans Day" by Cheryl Dyson. It reads in part, "We’re proud of all the soldiers who kept thinking of red, white and blue. They fought for us and all our rights. They fought through many days and nights. And though we may not know each name, we thank all veterans just the same."

Elizabeth returned to the podium to reflect on the significance of Veterans Day in the NSA community. In addition to celebrating our service men and women, Veterans Day marks the service anniversary of our facility dog, Jett, who was introduced at our Veterans Day celebration in 2022 through a partnership with Dr. Adam Henderson '03 and Dr. Kate Henderson, co-owners of Tidewater Animal Clinic, and Mutts With A Mission, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that trains service dogs for disabled veterans, first responders and law enforcement at no cost to the recipients. Facility dogs, like Jett, are expertly trained dogs who partner with a facilitator and work in a health care or educational setting to help more than one person at a time. Unlike therapy dogs, who typically spend only a few hours working, facility dogs “work” full-time at the organization.

"With an intentional focus on improving the mental health of our NSA community, Jett works with our school counselors daily and is a source of joy and comfort for all," said Elizabeth. "She is a beloved addition to our Saints family and we have all witnessed the positive impact Jett has had on our community."

Collin Tharp '25

After recognizing Jett's second service anniversary with NSA, senior Collin Tharp '25 introduced his father, Lieutenant Colonel Adam Tharp, United States Marine Corps, retired, as our keynote speaker. During his nearly 30 years in the Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Tharp logged more than 2,600 flight hours and served in numerous command and staff positions from the Squadron to Service Component level.

"His operational experience includes enforcing the no-fly zone over Bosnia-Herzegovina, countering violent extremism in East Africa as a Joint Terminal Attack Controller/Air Officer for an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit, planning for the initial Iraq invasion, supporting homeland defense in the Western Pacific and as a senior leader with a marine regiment in Northern Helmand Province, Afghanistan," said Collin. "His awards include the Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, three Meritorious Service Medals, five Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal, three Navy Achievement Medals, two Presidential Unit Citations and seven Sea Service Deployment ribbons."

After retiring from the Marine Corps in 2013, Lieutenant Colonel Tharp spent seven years at Naval Special Warfare Group 2 as the N-5 Plans Officer. He currently serves as the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command J-5 Plans Officer on Norfolk Naval Base.

LtCol Adam C. Tharp

During his speech, Lieutenant Colonel Tharp focused on history, from the history of Veterans Day to the history of military service within his own family, which included many service members who came before him. Lieutenant Colonel Tharp said he owes a debt of gratitude to the heroes who risked their lives well before he ever enlisted.

"Long flights over open ocean and low altitudes, untested procedures, new equipment, are all things we would never do today," said Lieutenant Colonel Tharp of the risks faced by service members in World War II. "The inflight emergencies, the Japanese, the short airfields, the lack of crew rest.... It's all simply incredible when you put it into perspective. Having flown my F-18 over those wide expanses, I stand in awe. These men did more than just fight a war. They were leaders in all the procedures we use today."

From World War II to Korea to the Cold War and Vietnam, Lieutenant Colonel Tharp reflected on the experiences of each generation. Through the struggles and triumphs of each conflict, he said the military and country as a whole would learn important lessons that would ultimately lead us to the present day.

"Today we are engaged in a global struggle to see, in Abraham Lincoln's words, if any nation so conceived can long endure," said Lieutenant Colonel Tharp. "When his Gettysburg Address concludes with, '...that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth,' he was not merely talking about the conflict of his time, but was providing a vision to all the generations that followed. As Americans, we seem to always see an endstate, as if there is a finish line. That is the fallacy. If the founding fathers ideals are to survive, then we must acknowledge there is no endstate, no finish line. Instead, there are ebbs and flows of consciousness and conflict to what it means to be an American. Preserving the American ideal requires the full effort of national sources of power."

In addition to thanking veterans for their service, Lieutenant Colonel Tharp recognized the service of military families across the globe, including his own.

"Veterans Day is a time to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good," said Lieutenant Colonel Tharp. "And though in this age of the all-volunteer force, where most veterans would agree that it is their honor and privilege to serve, and most Americans are quick to say, 'Thank you for your service,' when they find out I served, for me, I always feel a bit guilty for this gratitude, because being a Marine was exactly what I wanted to do. I traveled the world, made life-time friends and was part of history. The real thanks belongs to my wife, children, extended family and neighbors. They bore the burden of my long absences while I did what I wanted to do."

NSA band
NSA Veterans Day

After Lieutenant Colonel Tharp concluded his speech, the NSA band, directed by Sarah Dodge, played "America the Beautiful" and "Veterans Salute," which honors each branch of the armed forces. Veterans and active duty service members stood to be recognized when their branch's song was played.

When the band finished its performance, Elizabeth approached the podium to wrap up the celebration with a final thank you to our service members.

"Every citizen owes a debt to every veteran for their service and our freedom," said Elizabeth. "And while we can never truly understand their sacrifice or repay their service, we can honor them, be thankful for them and remember them."

Thank you to all our veterans today and every day for your service and sacrifice!


 

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