1995 AFA National Teacher of the Year is honored by a grateful student – now a Combat Pilot in Iraq Richard A. Ortega, VP, Aerospace Education, CFC & AFA, Florida.
Barbara Walters-Phillips (Center) proudly displays the Plaque she received from 1Lt Christopher Reveiz whileher 6th grade students: from left, Janessa Toledo, Ashley Morton, Mercedes Estrada and Jacob Peoples firmly hold the American Flag 1Lt Reveiz flew in his C-130 over the combat area in Iraq.
Mrs Barbara Walters-Phillips is the proud recipient of a brand new American Flag that was flown by 1Lt Christopher Reveiz, piloting his C-130 Spooky Gunship during a combat mission over the Iraq Air Space Combat Area on December 12, 2008. Lieutenant Reveiz has never forgotten Barbara, his 6th grade teacher at Glenridge Middle School in Winter Park, Florida who was instrumental in motivating him to pursue a career in the United States Air Force. In 1995, Barbara invited Civil Air Patrol (CAP) cadets to come to speak to her class about opportunities offered by the cadet program. Chris was immediately impressed and joined the Orlando Cadet Squadron and was also a devoted student in Barbara’s Aviation Classes at school. Chris continued to excel in his academic studies and became an outstanding CAP cadet. After graduating from Winter Park High School, he set his goals in becoming a pilot and joined AFROTC Detachment 159 at the University of Central Florida. On 12 August 2005, cadet Reveiz invited Barbara to attend his commissioning ceremony at the University of Central Florida - an event Barbara will long remember. After graduating from Flight Training, Lieutenant Reveiz was assigned to a C-130 Squadron and in November 2008 he emailed Barbara indicating he was leaving for Iraq for three-months tour. Barbara shared the mail with her students who decided to mail Chris a large envelope with cards written by the students. Chris continued to correspond with Barbara and the students who loved to look at the C-130 Spooky Gunship Poster in their classroom and talk about Chris flying it over Iraq. Chris surprised Barbara and her 6th Grade class when a large box shipped from Iraq arrived with notes of a appreciation for the students who had written notes to him. Also, in the box, Chris sent the American Flag he flew in his C-130 over Iraq. With the flag Chris enclosed a large certificate of citation describing the Combat Mission signed by the Pilot – 1Lt Christopher Reveiz. Needless to mention that Barbara and her class were substantially impressed by the noble gesture demonstrated by Chris – a faithful and grateful student whose love and serious commitment to keep America Free will serve as a lasting model for Barbara’s students to emulate.
