US Air Force veteran Matthew Bundy, a high school Government teacher from Mountain Home, Idaho, has earned national honors from the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Photo Credit: Mountain Home News.

It’s a privilege to share stories about dedicated educators who have also served in our nation’s military. One of these is US Air Force veteran Matthew Bundy, a high school Government teacher from Mountain Home, Idaho. He’s just earned national honors from the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Michael was raised in Ogden, Utah. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Weber State University. He completed his Master’s Degree at the University of Utah. He completed the requirements for his teacher certification at Boise State University. In addition, he earned a Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Idaho.

Matthew teaches American Government to seniors at Mountain Home High School in Mountain Home, Idaho. His career as an educator spanned 16 years. The honored educator is also a retired Lieutenant Colonel who served 20 years in the US Air Force. While in the military, he worked as a combat aviator.

Michael’s service in the military gave the Chalkboard Hero valuable insight when it comes to teaching his students about the attacks on 9/11, the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes, and the importance of their involvement in civic and community activities.

For his work in the classroom, Matthew has been named a 2020 Smart/Maher VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award at the high school level. Matthew was sponsored by VFW Post 5423 in Mountain Home. The exemplary teacher was chosen because of his passion and innovation in developing patriotic lessons, and for going above and beyond to develop civic responsibility and activism in his students.

The award program is co-sponsored by former VFW National Commander John Smart and retired VFW Quartermaster General Larry Maher. The program was established in 1999 to recognize three exceptional teachers from around the country for their commitment to promoting patriotism and civic responsibility in their students. Each recipient receives a $1,000 award for professional development and $1,000 for their school and two commemorative plaques, one for their school and one to keep.

To read more about this amazing educator, see this article published about him in the Mountain Home News.