Honoring our Great-Hearted Veterans: Fred Heimstra

On this Veteran’s Day, we are privileged to count among our faculty and staff the men and women who have worn the uniform of our nation’s armed forces. Their courage, discipline, and devotion to service embody the same virtues we cultivate in the minds and hearts of our students.

Fred Heimstra or “Officer H” as he is known by the students at Archway Glendale and Glendale Prep, serves as the Campus Security Officer, ensuring that all the students and staff have a safe learning and working environment. He also enjoys serving as one of the assistant coaches for the middle school football team.

“My time in the military was 23 years,” he shared. “Six years on active duty spending three with the 82nd Airborne Division 3rd Battalion 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment and three with the with 1st Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment. I then spent 17 years with 855th, 856th Military Police Companies and Recruiting/Retention Command in the Arizona Army National Guard.”

Heimstra believes his time in the military and on multiple deployments has taught him how to be a leader. “I can help mentor and show our students how leaders are supposed to act while also showing love and compassion.”

On behalf of the entire Great Hearts community, we extend our deepest gratitude to all who have served. Your courage in defense of our country and your continued commitment to forming young hearts and minds inspire us daily. Thank you for living out the virtues that make both a great citizen and a great educator.

Do you have a story or know of one that you would like to see featured at Great Hearts? Please contact jmoore@greatheartsamerica.org.

Submit a student application to a Great Hearts Academy by visiting: https://www.greatheartsamerica.org/enroll/.