Upper School Highlights Veterans in School Community
What does it mean to be a veteran of the U.S. military? As Durham Academy Upper Schoolers heard at the 2024 Veterans Day observance, military service exemplifies ideals like bravery, commitment, sacrifice and honor.
As students learned from the speakers — all Durham Academy parents — veterans are not a monolith. Their backgrounds and paths to their respective military branches, their experiences while serving, and their professional and personal journeys since are richly varied. But each speaker expressed gratitude for the values and qualities they took away from their military service. Qualities like resiliency and adaptability. Reserves of courage and empathy. A camaraderie that’s unlike anything they’ve experienced in the civilian world.
As Joel Hornstein, who served as an Army captain, said, “it’s a remarkable launching pad for anything else you might do.”
In addition to Hornstein, the DA parents who spoke included Dr. Joseph Borawski (Marine Corps, surgeon), Gary Crunkleton (Navy, avionics electrician, 2nd Class Petty Officer), Josh Manchester (Marine Corps, infantry), and DA maintenance supervisor Brian Martens (Marine Corps, field radio operator). Kudos to the Upper School Students for Troops Club — especially leader Angus Cook ’25 and faculty advisor Dr. Rebecca Shores — for organizing such a powerful presentation.
Dr. Joseph Borawski
Marine Corps, Surgeon
Middle School Parent
Gary Crunkleton
Navy, Avionics Electrician, 2nd Class Petty Officer
Middle School & Upper School Parent
Joel Hornstein
Army, Captain
Middle School, Upper School & Alumni Parent
Josh Manchester
Marine Corps, Infantry
Middle School Parent
Brian Martens
Marine Corps, Field Radio Operator
Lower School Parent & DA Maintenance Supervisor
To all who are serving and those who have served, we thank you for your service.