Around OHS, there is a group of people who have a past filled with purpose; teachers who served in the military. These veterans risked their lives for this country and then decided to continue giving back by teaching the future generations.
Some teachers, specifically in the ROTC department, directly utilize their knowledge by training students on how to be militants. They use their experience to educate the kids on what life is like in the military and how to make smart choices.
“I just needed something different, and I thought, how can I take all these years and help people make better decisions? And that’s when I looked at ROTC,” said Vaughan Whited, junior ROTC teacher.
There were a variety of reasons they wanted to be teachers; whatever reason it was, the military helped them down that path.
“The Marine simplified my life and allowed me to focus on really what was important in my life, which has given me a solid path to follow into my adult years,” said Uriah Cross, history teacher.
This wisdom not only helped with civilian life but also in teaching. Learning ways to be a better teacher and how to connect with the students more.
“I learned that I was capable. I learned the importance of leadership in the Marine Corps. I really learned to apply myself, you know, the Marines, it kind of just gave me confidence,” Cross said.
While being part of the military, these veterans not only gained wisdom to help in their own lives, but also, use their to help students understand the lessons. The teachers have great memories that they love to tell their students.
“For around 8 to 14 hours I was completely lost in a sandstorm on the 3rd day of the war. I went to my reunion and I had to tell the story of me being lost to all of my peers in the Marines and my commanding officers in the Marines, multiple, multiple times,” Cross said. “In fact, within my Marine circles that is probably what I am most known for, getting very lost in a very orange sandstorm in Iraq.”
Bringing life experiences into the classroom can help keep the kids engaged and captivated. Actively showing them examples of the lesson and how it is important to life outside of school.
“People connect better if they can relate it to real life, real stories, and know somebody [who] actually did it,” Whited said.
All the teachers have had many memories that they reflect fondly on, and they continue to make more memories with their students daily.
“The memories are still being made, with the military, I love going to base, I never separated myself from the military when I retired. I feel like I’m still a part of it,” said John Badey, junior ROTC teacher.
During their time in the military these veterans made tons of connections with their fellow soldiers, as they switched to teaching they continued to forge these connections, only this time with their students and the other teachers.
“The best thing is the camaraderie you had with everyone else, the people you meet and the people from all different walks of life and how close you get with everybody,” said Aaron Simmons, biology teacher.
