Military Appreciation Month: STEAM Assemblies Ignite Tech

In honor of Military Appreciation Month, the Tribute to Valor Foundation staged four high-energy assemblies at Clark High School, Foothill Falcons, Cimarron Spartans and Silverado Skyhawks. Medal of Honor recipient Gary Littrell shared his frontline experiences alongside wounded, ill and injured service members, highlighting how new technologies have transformed lives.

Medal Of Honor Hero Inspires Students

Gary Littrell, who earned the Medal of Honor for valor in Vietnam, opened each assembly with a personal reflection. Surrounded by students in lab coats and safety goggles, he spoke about resilience, teamwork and problem-solving under pressure. Clips from the Instagram images show Littrell seated on the stage, fielding questions as students hold up robotics prototypes and VR headsets.

Spotlight On Steam Curriculum

Each visit underscored the importance of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) in modern education. Attendees met service members who demonstrated 3D-printed prosthetics, adaptive devices and biofeedback tools. The foundation’s all-volunteer members explained how engineering breakthroughs—from advanced wheelchair controls to mobile health apps—help veterans regain independence. “These assemblies aren’t just talks,” said Suzanne Littrell, Tribute to Valor co-founder. “They’re a call to action for the next generation of innovators.”

Tony Orlando’s Veteran Support Continues

Pop icon Tony Orlando, a long-time advocate for veterans, appeared via video message and in person at Clark High. Orlando, known for 1970s hits like “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” praised the foundation’s mission. An earlier Instagram post captured Orlando at The Bootlegger Bistro, standing beside Littrell and pledging support for the Las Vegas chapter. Last month, Orlando also led the Yellow Ribbon Salute to the Military at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, entertaining troops and guests with his timeless classics.

These assemblies capped off with interactive Q&A sessions. Students asked about Littrell’s battlefield challenges and surveyed service members on how they used coding and circuitry in rehabilitation. The Tribute to Valor team awarded STEAM lab grants to the four schools, ensuring that the ideas sparked on stage continue in classrooms.

By blending firsthand hero stories with cutting-edge science, Tribute to Valor and its celebrity partners delivered a memorable tribute this Military Appreciation Month—one that empowered students to explore, invent and honor those who served.

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Ratika Pai

 

Ratika holds a master's degree in commerce and a post-graduate diploma in communication and journalism from Mumbai University. She has 6 years of experience writing in various fields, such as finance, education, and lifestyle.

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