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Summerlin salutes veterans

The master-planned community of Summerlin is a multigenerational community home to hundreds of veterans.

"We honor their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve," said Kevin Orrock, top division executive for The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin. "Our country and our community, are better because of their sacrifices."

Among the long list of Summerlin veterans is Palo Verde High School teacher and coach, Luke Atwell. In 1971, Atwell enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his 13-year involvement, he flew 2,000 hours in a C-117 aircraft in both the United States and overseas as a crew chief during the Vietnam War; he graduated from Marine F-4 Phantom flight school, Top Gun and Weapons and Tactics Instructors Course in F-4s; and he flew on two Western Pacific tours that were more than a year in length.

Atwell had an inter-service transfer to the United States Air Force in 1983 and served in various positions until he retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1997. During his 14-year career with the Air Force, Atwell served as an F-111 mission commander, a combat commander in Desert Storm, director of current operations for Red Flag and chief of protocol at Nellis Air Force Base. He also served as the Pentagon's task force director for the worldwide United States Air Force 50th anniversary. He received a Bronze Star for combat actions in Desert Storm, two Meritorious Service Medals and 16 other medals and ribbons.

During his 27 years of service, Atwell has lived in 32 different locations including the Philippines, Japan, Okinawa, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, England, Mexico and Vietnam. "I have loved and learned the cultures of every place I've lived," he said.

Today, Atwell lives in The Willows village of Summerlin and teaches world history and criminal justice at Palo Verde High School. After school, he serves as the head coach for the boys cross country and girls junior varsity softball teams. He also coordinates bi-annual youth trips to La Mision, Mexico, where students build homes and work in orphanages.

"My military background has taught me many things, primarily to have integrity above all else and to appreciate and contribute to the community," Atwell said. "These are the things I try and teach my Summerlin students every day."

Summerlin recognizes its veterans annually in The Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, which attracts more than 40,000-plus people. The dignitary line-up typically includes representatives from The Marine Corps League Greater Nevada Detachment and The American Legion. "We always appreciate the opportunity to recognize our veterans," Orrock said.

For more information on Summerlin, visit summerlin.com, call 791-4500 or become a fan of Summerlin on Facebook.

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