Knox County R-1 Honors Veterans, Hagerla Featured as Guest Speaker
By Echo Menges
EDINA, Mo. — The Knox County R-1 School District hosted its annual Veterans Day ceremony Friday morning, bringing together students, staff, families, and community members to recognize and honor local service members. The event filled the high school gym with patriotic music, student presentations, and a program emphasizing service, remembrance, and gratitude.
This year’s guest speaker was retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Kelby Hagerla, a 1999 graduate of Knox County High School. Hagerla spent 20 years in the military, serving as a C-17 Globemaster pilot, instructor pilot, and liaison officer in both active duty and reserve roles. His presentation included photographs from his career, demonstrations of missions he participated in, and reflections on the responsibilities and challenges faced by military members and their families. He also shared insights on teamwork, leadership, and the importance of community support, especially for those deployed far from home.
The ceremony opened with a welcome from Alex VanDelft, followed by the Fallen Comrade Table observance presented by LTC (Ret.) Keith Gudehus. Gudehus led the audience through the symbolism of the table, explaining the meaning of each item set in honor of service members who never returned home. The solemn tribute served as one of the program’s central moments, focusing attention on sacrifice and remembrance.
Students from across the district played featured roles throughout the event. The Color Guard presented the flag, and the Knox County High School Choir led the national anthem. The high school student council led the Pledge of Allegiance. Elementary students in grades K–5 performed In Service of Our Country under the direction of their music teachers, while middle school students conducted a ceremonial flag-folding demonstration, explaining the meaning behind each fold.
The high school band performed a service medley recognizing each branch of the military, and students from Eagle Nation News produced a video segment for the program. Elementary leadership students prepared banners honoring local veterans, which were displayed prominently throughout the gym.
The ceremony was organized by the Veterans Day Committee, consisting of Keith Gudehus, Kisha Goodwin, Amy McNabb, Lisa Blake, Amy Handzus, Sarah Setzer, Laura Greenley, Kim Henry, and Amy Miller. Committee members coordinated student performances, managed logistics, and ensured the program included contributions from every age group.
Several departments within the school supported the effort. Kitchen staff prepared and served breakfast for attending veterans, custodial staff assisted with staging and seating, and teachers throughout the district helped students rehearse, prepare artwork, and understand the significance of the day. The Knox County R-1 School Board and central office staff also assisted with planning and support.
About Kelby Hagerla
Hagerla graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 2003, serving on the Wings of Blue parachute demonstration team before beginning pilot training. Over his military career, he logged more than 3,500 flying hours, visiting approximately 35 countries and completing multiple combat deployments and humanitarian missions. He earned numerous awards, including Air Medals, Air Force Commendation Medals, and Meritorious Service Medals. After transitioning to the Air Force Reserves, he continued instructing C-17 pilots and supporting the Civil Air Patrol before retiring from military service in 2023. He joined Delta Air Lines in 2016 and currently flies the Airbus 350. Hagerla and his family returned to Edina in 2025.
Community Tradition
Veterans Day has long been one of Knox County R-1’s most widely supported annual events. Students lined up after the ceremony to greet veterans, offer handshakes, and personally thank them for their service, which is a tradition that has become an important part of the Knox County community’s observance of the holiday.
