From Deseret News archives:

Educator amends story on war record

He was not a SEAL or Purple Heart recipient

Published: Thursday, May 6, 2004 9:37 p.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
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."


E-mail: jtcook@desnews.com

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

previousnext

Latest comments

i think the utes r full of it!! they didn't have any problems when the...

Someone who has actually read the initiative. You are spot on. Its an...

Secret Service admits lapse

administration supposed to keep our nation safe when they can't even provide...

Don't remind us about last year. This is a new game. As for Boise St and...

Idaho must be a top 20 team. GO VANDALS!

Letters: No constitutional right

Fire Departments come under "police powers" which are related to property...

You are absolutely correct!! Nowhere in the constitution does it grant an...

RSL's Movsisyan departs

We will be thinking about you and watching your progress Yura. Thank you for...

I agree with both David and John. Taxing necessities is not necessarily an...

Vegas, Poinsettia bowls or bust

The only thing, and I do mean the ONLY thing better about San Diego is the...

Advertisements