The Purple Star ceremony at Freedom Elementary School on April 10 was especially poignant for staff member Liz Ramirez. It was Ramirez’s last day at the school because four days later she left for basic training with the United States Air Force.
Ramirez had been a personal care assistant for a second grader at Freedom since mid-December. After the Purple Star ceremony, she said that she was sworn into the Air Force in July 2025 and was to report to Lackland Air Force Base on April 14 where she will pursue a career as a mental health technician. She has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has been working toward a master’s degree.
Joining the military will be a dream come true for Ramirez.
“I always wanted to,” she said. “I’m the only girl with three brothers. The idea of my joining the military was a big no-no. I wanted to join out of high school, but my parents said no. Nobody is holding me back anymore.”
She said when she was in high school, she wanted to fly jets.
“I’m too old for that now,” the 40-year-old said. “Mental health feels like a calling of mine. I can serve my country and help my fellow soldiers with whatever needs they may have.”
Ramirez said she has been in training for basic training for the past year, an activity that has involved students at Freedom.
“They have been doing sit-ups with me and marching with me. They get into formation,” she said.
But it was beginning to hit the students and Ramirez that April 10 was her last day at school, acknowledging that there would be some tears from her and the students when the final bell rang.
That’s why the annual Purple Star ceremony, which celebrates children of military parents, hit home for Ramirez.
“There are amazing schools like Freedom that serve kids. This is awesome. I think it all tied in absolutely perfectly,” she said of the timing of the celebration and her new career.
Ramirez has children of her own, but said she will leave another 27 children behind.
“I have 27 kids that are heartbroken and it breaks my heart,” she said of leaving the second-grade class where she has served for the past four months. “I don’t have any family here. This is my family.”
The sacrifices that children of military parents make is the focus of Month of the Military Child, which is celebrated every April. The annual Freedom event recognizes those sacrifices and the resilience of those students, said Freedom Principal Sara Breeze.
The Purple Star ceremony featured several songs from the second grade classes and a short speech from Maj. Pete Hughes, who told the military children that they are not alone. He told the students to look at those on either side of them.
“Those people around you are here to support you,” he told the students. “I want you all to remember, your strength and sacrifices do not go unnoticed.”
Ramirez said the ceremony also was special to her.
“It shows honor and respect for the ones serving. The children are the ones carrying the emotions and having to say hello and goodbye. So it is healthy for the school to focus on the children,” she said. “I hope one day to provide my kids with this type of environment.”