Elementary school teacher Richard Fujiwara was also a decorated US Army veteran. (Photo credit: Daily Bulletin)

Many educators who have served in America’s public schools have also served our nation in the Armed Services. One of these is Richard Fujiwara, an elementary teacher who served in the US Army during the VietNam War.

Richard was born in Upland, California, on Dec. 5, 1946. As a youngster he was raised in Chino, where he attended Chino High School. He graduated from the school in 1964. After his graduation, Richard served in VietNam, where he showed exceptional valor, earning a Purple Heart, a Green Medal, and a Bronze Star.

Once he returned to California, Richard attended Cal Poly Pomona, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Biology and his teaching credential. Once he earned his degrees, Richard accepted a position as an elementary physical education teacher at Citrus Elementary in the Upland Unified School District. Later he taught fourth grade at Baldy View Elementary School and at Pepper Tree Elementary. His final assignment before retirement was as an itinerant Physical education teacher at the elementary level.

In his retirement, Richard volunteered countless hours at the USO and travelled, and played golf and tennis. Richard passed away on Nov. 6, 2025. He is interred at Riverside National Cemetery .