Veteran’s Day gives us the opportunity to recognize the individuals whose service has shaped our nation, and in some cases, our school as well. Tin Tran, better known as Mr. Tran, by his students, is a respected member of the staff whose military background continues to influence his teaching and leadership. His story offers a powerful look at how service can transform not only a person’s life, but the lives of the students they teach.
Tran served in the United States Navy, a decision he says was driven mainly by his family background and childhood dreams.
Tran shared, “There were several factors. One was my dad was a former Marine colonel in the South Vietnamese Marines. Two, we came over here as refugees from South Vietnam, and I wanted to pay back to the country through military service. And the third reason was my dream since I was a seven year old boy was to become a naval aviator, to go to flight school either as a Marine or Navy officer and to be able to fly planes for the Navy. So I was able to do that.”
Throughout his several years of experience, Tran traveled extensively, living and working in countless cities and states for almost two decades in total. His time in the service took him around the country and even around the world.
Tran explained, “I joined Navy RLTC at UCLA when I was 18. I was finally discharged in 2003. So let me see. Total time is like 18 but in terms of from the time I was commissioned in 1990, 13 years. When you count college time it’s 17 years, but serving in terms of being an officer, 13 years. I went to flight school in Pensacola, Florida. And then was stationed in Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento and then Surface Warfare School in Coronado, San Diego. And then in Naval Station, Staten Island in New York, but I was deployed all around the world. So I went around the world one and a half times.”
Tran uses Veterans day to remember the people with whom he shared important life experiences with. His reflective approach highlights the importance of gratitude and remembrance.
Tran said, “When my dad was still alive, I would have breakfast with him since he’s a veteran. Mostly these days, I have breakfast with my best friend and then I go hiking. I hike a lot so I spend the rest of the Tuesday hiking, and then later on go to a restaurant with my wife and have a free dinner.”
Tran’s military background has an influence in his teaching and the way he runs the classroom. The structured environment of the military helped him develop leadership, consistency, and a strong work ethic. Students benefit from the stability he brings to their learning.
“The military’s very team orientated and also high performing, especially as a naval flight officer. So it taught me about structure and how to motivate people and how to, as you can see here I’m the academic decathlon coach, how to get students to perform as a team, but also at a very high level.”
For students considering the military as a future career path, Tran offers advice grounded in experience. He encourages students to think carefully about their goals and to take the time to understand the commitment they are making.
“Don’t join because of the benefits. There’s a lot. Okay, it has to be a calling. You have to feel, to want it. It’s not a regular job. I say that because the time I served was the best of times, it was also the worst of times. So it’s not like what you see in the movies. But if it’s for you and it’s not for everybody, then it can be quite rewarding even after you left it. Because the benefits are well beyond what you see on paper. And for me, I still maintain self discipline and physical fitness, even though I haven’t been on active duty in a long time.”
As we honor Veteran’s Day, we celebrate Tran and all veterans whose service enriches our community and inspires many. Tran’s story reminds us that he brings more than his service history to our school, but his leadership, perspective, and a commitment to helping others grow.
