When asked to verify the credential, Lujan told the newspaper that he was neither a Navy SEAL nor a Purple Heart recipient.

The credential, be it true or false, has nothing to do with the man the school community knows, principal Wilkerson said.

"I have never, ever, met anyone with more integrity and character and loyalty and honesty than this gentleman, ever. And I have been in education 32 years," she said. She added that other school workers had told her Lujan was a Navy SEAL.

In receiving the award, Lujan is noted for his service to and love for children, whether he's helping provide needy children with Christmas gifts, helping non-English speaking families navigate community services or lending an ear to teachers.

"I know what he has done for the school and children at risk . . . he is our savior at Backman Elementary," Wilkerson said. "It doesn't make a difference to me if (SEAL credentials are) true or not true. I know who I know, and I know what he's done . . . I would hate to think something so joyous could turn into something terrible."

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E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com