The Glenview History Center salutes the Glenview's graduates from service academies. More than 20 have been identified so far, and the search continues.
The idea for honoring these students and for an exhibit held in 1921 came from Terry Stewart following a GBS class reunion where he connected with other military academy graduates and realized what a special group they were. Terry contacted the History Center with an offer to donate his old Academy uniform for their museum. In his words, “The whole idea started with recognizing and appreciating how growing up in Glenview enabled us to attend the academies and serve something larger than ourselves“ – Terry Stewart, GBS 1973, USMA 1977, Maj. USA (ret.).
History Center researchers found graduates through searches of GBS and Loyola Academy records, conversations among school alums, and military academy records. The History Center is still searching for, and would like to learn of, additional such graduates.
A total of 23 have been identified to date. A service breakdown includes ten from the US Military Academy, seven from the US Naval Academy, and six from the US Air Force Academy.
These academy graduates have had exemplary careers in both military and civilian life. For example, USNA grad James Grimson became a Naval aviator, flying fighter jets; he then served as an instructor for the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor program (Top Gun) for three years, when he left aviation to enter medical school. Grimson was a Navy radiologist for 12 years before retiring with the rank of Commander, and he still practice radiology in civilian life. Others have gone on to civilian careers in business, finance, and other fields. One current Glenview resident with such a history is Donald Owen, the former Deputy Village Manager. An Annapolis graduate, he served at NASG for several years and retired from the base with the rank of Commander to became a Village employee.
Dr. Bill Attea, former History Center Board member and retired District 34 School Superintendent, stated, “Glenview Naval Air Station was a staple in Glenview for many years. Because of this, I feel quite confident more students considered the military and attendance at one of the military academies than students would have without this presence.”
History Center’s former president Beverly Dawson commented, “Glenview’s excellent school system, with its emphasis on values and service, no doubt was essential in preparing these men and women for the rigors of academy life and future careers. This is a very impressive group of people—among Glenview’s finest. The village can be very proud of its sons and daughters who served this way.”
If you know of any service academy graduates from Glenview contact the History Center.
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