November 11, 2026 — They may have hung up their uniforms, but 14 veterans at Sprayberry High School are still driven by their service to others. Service defines them.
This Veterans Day, Sprayberry, like schools across Cobb, honored those in their own school community who once served their country but now serve in classrooms and throughout the day.
From teachers and coaches to bus drivers and custodians, Sprayberry's veterans help create a positive learning environment for students every day.
"A lot of the students really care that you served and they're really grateful for that, and they show it," said Sgt. Ray Frias, a chemistry teacher and former Air Force crew chief who worked on F-18's in the Netherlands.
Along with the warm reception as they walked through the door, Veterans Day created opportunities for open conversations between students and staff about their time in the military.
"Every year half of the students are surprised. They go, 'You were in the Army?' You know, you don't expect your math teacher to have been to Iraq and Afghanistan," said Gilbert Aitken, a math teacher who served in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Through small gifts, thoughtful comments, and other signs of appreciation, Sprayberry created a memorable Veterans Day experience for those who served.
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"Sprayberry and Cobb County have given me the best Veterans Day experience I've ever had," said Travis Cason, a coach and physical education teacher who served in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Sprayberry thanked the following staff members for their military service this Veterans Day:
- Donta Justice, custodial staff, United States Navy
- Keith Bracy, custodial staff, United States Army
- Chris Quenan, custodial staff, United States Marine Corps
- Derrick Peck, custodial staff, United States Air Force
- Fred Waddell, bus driver, United States Marine Corps
- Mark Acocello, bus driver, United States Marine Corps
- Jason Rusk, bus driver, United States Marine Corps
- Charles Byers, bus driver, United States Navy
- Murl Harmon, bus driver, United States Army
- Gilbert Aiken, math teacher, United States Army
- Ray Frias, chemistry teacher, United States Air Force
- Travis Cason, football coach and physical education teacher, United States Army
- Axel Spens, Naval Science Instructor, United States Navy
- Tyrone White, ROTC teacher, United States Marine Corps
