Randall D. Shughart Elementary School dedication ceremony

Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) hosted the dedication ceremony of Randall D. Shughart Elementary School and Randall D. Shughart Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 6 in Linden Oaks. 

The 200,000 square-foot, $38 million building complex was dedicated in memory of Sgt. 1st Class Randall D. Shughart a United States Army Medal of Honor recipient who distinguished himself by his heroic actions October 3, 1993 while serving with the United States Army Special Operations Command’s Task Force Ranger in Mogadishu, Somalia. 

Students from both the middle school and elementary school made patriotic performances throughout the ceremony and the speakers paid homage to Shughart as they highlighted his achievements and heroic actions.

Colonel Stephen Sicinski, Fort Bragg’s Garrison Commander provided opening remarks for the ceremony and was followed by Major General Bennet Sacolick, the Commanding General of the United States Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School. MG Sacolick worked with and knew Sgt. 1st Class Shughart and spoke about the significance of education and training, and what it means to be a hero.

“He chose to go down there with the odds against him,” Sacolick said.

Ms. Marilee Fitzgerald, the Acting Director of DoDEA and keynote speaker for the ceremony, provided remarks about the value and the future of education as she addressed the students and parents of both schools.

Ms. Stephanie Shughart, the widow of Sgt. 1st Class Randall D. Shughart was in attendance. She accompanied the principals of Shughart Elementary and Middle schools, Dr. Carolyn Carr and Mrs. Mary Leinard. Dr. Linda Curtis, Director of DDESS and Mrs. Libby Robinson, President of the Fort Bragg School Board who unveiled the plaque.

“Do you believe this is a place where you can do your best” Fitzgerald asked the students.

They replied with a resounding “Yes!”