From the Richland School District facebook page:

U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, one of Chief Joseph Middle School​'s alumni, surprised students on Friday with his first visit to his former middle school since he attended. We are excited our students had the opportunity to meet and speak with someone from the community who has such a remarkable role in our country. #RSDawesome

One student marveled at how down to Earth Mattis seemed to be and how, for lack of a better word, cool it is to have someone so high up in government come from right here in our town of Richland.

A real thrill for all the kids, and I'm sure, the Secretary too, as this was the first time he'd been back to his old stomping grounds since he left Chief Jo, long ago.

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