When soldiers are deployed, we think about the security of our country and American’s foundation of Freedom, but the effects of deployment are more far-reaching. The military mission provides homeland security, while our homeland mission is to provide support for our troops. This project provides a collaborative community effort to extend the classroom walls and connect with our deployed soldiers allowing them to be a part of their children’s education and accomplishments. “The First Team”, the First Cavalry of the United States Army, connects with their community to enable deployed soldiers’ virtual attendance at high school graduations through live, interactive videoconferencing and live web cast.

View the Graduation Ceremonies
To view QuickTime movies of the Virtual Graduation 2004 Project, go to the Resources section of this exhibit.

Dr. Charles Patterson, Killeen ISD Superintendent,
responds to Major General Peter Chiarelli's vision for the Virtual Graduation 2004. Dr. Patterson and the KISD Board of Trustees have supported the integration of technology and the district's technology vision. KISD and Ft. Hood have worked to address the needs of the Military child. This project exemplifies the district and the community support to address the needs of the student population in Killeen. Vision and collaboration have made a difference for the Graduating Class of 2004 and their families.