Great Bend High School (GBHS) will host its annual Veterans Day Assembly, organized by the Social Studies Department, at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025, in the main gym. This cherished event, open to all veterans and community members, pays tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served our country.
Veterans and guests are invited to arrive between 8:50–9:25 a.m. for a light breakfast that will be served in the GBHS Commons prior to the assembly.
Barbara Austin, Social Science Teacher at GBHS, shared, “This assembly is a heartfelt thank you to our veterans—a chance for our school and community to recognize the profound impact of their service.”
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Sergeant First Class Aaron C. Parr, a distinguished veteran of the Kansas National Guard and a proud GBHS graduate from the Class of 2005.
The assembly will also include performances by the GBHS choir, band, and orchestra, along with a flag presentation by Legion Riders. To support accessibility for all attendees, GBHS will provide golf carts to assist guests from the parking lot to the gym entrance in addition to some reserved parking.
Event Details
Veteran Breakfast: 8:50 a.m., GBHS Commons
Veterans Day Assembly: 9:30 a.m., GBHS Main Gym
GBHS encourages veterans, families, and community members to attend this special event and join in saluting the heroes among us. For more information, please contact GBHS at 620-793-1521.
Speaker Biography
Born in Great Bend in 1987, SFC Aaron C. Parr exemplifies the spirit of service and commitment that defines America’s military personnel. A 2005 GBHS graduate, he currently serves as a Recruiting & Retention NCO with the Kansas National Guard, holding the rank of Sergeant First Class (E7) with 14.5 years of service.
SFC Parr was deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, serving in multiple technical and leadership roles, including Electromagnetic Spectrum Manager, System Administrator, and Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer. He is a recipient of numerous honors, including six Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three Campaign Stars.
He holds an Associate of Science in General Studies from Fort Hays State University and has completed advanced military training, such as the Mission Command Digital Master Gunner program.
SFC Parr is married and is a father of five children. He currently resides in Ellinwood, continuing to serve his community and nation.
