Cheyenne High teacher gets surprise sendoff before Honor Flight

81-year-old special education teacher and Vietnam veteran honored by school before trip to Washington, D.C.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 1:30am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a military uniform in shades of olive green, red, and blue, repeated in a grid pattern to create a bold, pop art-inspired illustration representing the honor and recognition given to a Vietnam veteran teacher.A surprise sendoff for a Vietnam veteran teacher highlights the importance of honoring those who served, even decades later.Las Vegas Today

An 81-year-old special education teacher at Cheyenne High School in Las Vegas, who is also a Vietnam veteran, received a surprise sendoff from students, staff, and a marching band before his upcoming Honor Flight trip to tour war memorials in Washington, D.C. The teacher, named Upchurch, was met with a red carpet welcome and expressed profound gratitude for the recognition of his service.

Why it matters

The sendoff highlights the importance of honoring Vietnam veterans, who often did not receive a warm welcome home, and the role schools can play in recognizing the sacrifices of those who have served. It also showcases the work of the nonprofit Honor Flight Southern Nevada, which provides free trips for local veterans to visit their war memorials.

The details

Upchurch, an 81-year-old special education teacher at Cheyenne High School, is scheduled to leave on Friday morning for an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C. to tour war memorials with other local Vietnam and Korean War veterans. He was met with a surprise sendoff in the school's gym, where he walked on a red carpet and was greeted by a marching band, cheerleaders, and other students who wanted to show their appreciation for his service during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. Upchurch's English 12 teacher, Marquita Hobson, will serve as his guardian on the trip, accompanying him at all times.

  • Upchurch is scheduled to leave for the Honor Flight trip on Friday morning.
  • The public is invited to welcome the group back at Harry Reid International Airport on Sunday around 4:25 p.m.

The players

Upchurch

An 81-year-old special education teacher at Cheyenne High School in Las Vegas and a Vietnam veteran.

Marquita Hobson

An English 12 teacher at Cheyenne High School who will serve as Upchurch's guardian on the Honor Flight trip.

Jackie Soncini

A student council member at Cheyenne High School.

Major Ivy Williams

The Senior Army Instructor with the Cheyenne High JROTC program who organized the sendoff event.

Anthony Nunez

The principal of Cheyenne High School.

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What they’re saying

“Profound feelings, deep emotional feelings to be welcomed this way.”

— Upchurch

“We tend to forget that Vietnam was not a war where our soldiers were welcomed back with love and affection. And so I thought it was well overdue.”

— Marquita Hobson, English 12 teacher

“When he went over to Vietnam he did go through a lot and I just feel like it needs to be recognized.”

— Jackie Soncini, Student council member

“Well, I think it's important that we recognize our heroes and it's important that our kids understand who our heroes are.”

— Major Ivy Williams, Senior Army Instructor, Cheyenne High JROTC

“Working with the kids every day, it makes my profession worthwhile.”

— Upchurch

What’s next

The public is invited to welcome the group of veterans back at Harry Reid International Airport on Sunday around 4:25 p.m.

The takeaway

This event highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring the service of Vietnam veterans, who often did not receive the appreciation they deserved when they returned home. It also showcases the role that schools and communities can play in expressing gratitude for those who have sacrificed for their country.