Whenever Veteran’s Day comes along, it calls to us to take a moment and reflect on the people in our lives who answered the call to service. The people who made a great sacrifice by joining the military, putting their lives on the line for the betterment of all. Rio Salado College is proud of all who have served, whether it’s the veterans and active military service members in our student body or the ones who bring the same sense of honor and duty to their work now as Rio staff members as they did in the military.
We’re proud to have quite a few people on staff at Rio Salado who have served—like Jack Gallegos, Rio Salado College’s Director Facilities, who served in the U.S. Army and Arizona Army National Guard from 1980 through 2005.
“I joined the U.S. Army at 18 years old, which became the foundation for my lifelong commitment to service,” Gallegos said. “After completing my active duty, I continued my journey with the Arizona Army National Guard, where I proudly served for 23 years until retiring in 2005. My military service took me to many places and missions around the world, giving me a global perspective and appreciation for cultures beyond our borders— something many Americans don’t get the chance to experience firsthand.”
When asked about his time in the army, Gallegos reflected on how it prepared him for a life devoted to collaboration and steadfast commitment to integrity.
“The military taught me the true meaning of self-respect, teamwork, and standing up for those who can’t defend themselves,” Gallegos said. “The Army’s core values— loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage— continue to guide me today in my work at Rio Salado College and throughout my years with the Maricopa Community Colleges District. These principles remind me to treat everyone with respect and honor, to serve with integrity, and to lead by example.”
Calvin DeVoll, Tech Project Manager Principal with Rio's Technology Services department, also served his country with distinction. A U.S. Navy veteran, DeVoll applies the rigorous discipline honed from his time as a naval man to his work at the college.
“I proudly served in the United States Navy from 1996 to 2000 as an Operations Specialist aboard the USS Cowpens (CG-63),” DeVoll said. “My time in the Navy taught me the value of precision, communication, and composure under pressure; skills that continue to guide my work at Rio Salado College as I lead projects and support our students’ success.”
Like many of our veteran staff members, Gallegos and DeVoll understand how returning to civilian life can be a major adjustment. Balancing the responsibilities of family, work, and getting an education without having the ordering structure that comes from an enlisted life to give your day-to-day a steady rhythm can be overwhelming. When you no longer have marching orders, the process of learning how to put your best foot forward can be long but rewarding.
That’s one of the reasons why Rio’s Military and Veteran Services team is here to help. Our services team is well-versed in addressing the needs of our veterans, service members, and their families. If you need help with any of the following, please reach out to them:
- Academic advisement
- Official military transcript evaluations
- Learn what financial & scholarship options are available to pay
- Advice and resources on using VA education benefits Military and VA certifications
- Connect you to campus and community resources like tutoring, testing, and counseling
When asked what they would say to their fellow service members starting their educational journeys at Rio Salado, both Gallegos and DeVoll emphasized the endurance and mental fortitude that comes from a life spent in the military.
“To our military and veteran students, your discipline, resilience, and mission-driven mindset are powerful assets in higher education,” DeVoll said. “Stay the course, trust your training, and know that your service has already prepared you to succeed.”
“To our military and veteran students: thank you for your service and sacrifice,” Gallegos said. “Remember that the same discipline, resilience, and courage that carried you through your military journey will also help you achieve success here at Rio and beyond.”
As we honor National Veteran and Military Families Month, all of us at Rio Salado College want to thank everyone in our community and beyond who heeded the call to service.
Article by Austin Brietta