Students at Altoona Elementary know Ms. Natalie Licht as a special education paraeducator. What many don’t know is that before she joined SEP, she spent seven years in the U.S. Navy as a Master-at-Arms, the Navy’s military police. This Veterans Day, we’re sharing her story and recognizing the veterans who are part of our SEP community.

Around the World

Natalie served from 2002 to 2009, helping keep bases and the people on them safe through access control, patrols, and emergency response. Several duty stations included family housing, so she often helped military families through some of their hardest days.

The work took her around the world. Licht was stationed on Diego Garcia, a tropical island in the British Indian Ocean Territory, lived in Naples, Italy, and served in Jacksonville, Florida; San Antonio, Texas; and Chicago, Illinois. She also deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as a guard.

Back to Where It Started

Working with students with special needs was her first calling. Ms. Licht volunteered in special education classrooms all four years of high school and always planned to return to that work after a career in law enforcement. At SEP, she did. She also earned a substitute teaching certification, so she can step in wherever help is needed.

The best part of the job is the progress others might miss: a new skill, a little more confidence, a long-held goal finally reached. She believes every student deserves someone who will advocate for them, encourage them, and see their potential.

What the Navy Taught Her

Serving alongside people from every background taught an important lesson: what feels normal to one person can be completely different to another. She brings that perspective to students, families, and coworkers.

Part of the SEP Community

Today, she brings her experience, perspective, and commitment to the students and colleagues she works with at Southeast Polk. The Navy was one chapter of her life; today, she helps students grow and reach their potential.

This Veterans Day, we recognize Ms. Licht and the many veterans who are part of our staff, families, and broader SEP community. We’re grateful for their service and for everything they continue to contribute.

And she still lives by one military rule:
“Early is on time, and on time is late!”