Michael Asato, social studies educator
Asato served in the United States Army National Guard (Louisiana) from 1987 to 1993. He worked as a 12 Bravo Combat Engineer. He began his service at 17 years old and was part of Operation Desert Storm.
"I disliked being away for almost half a year in a foreign country, but I understand why I had to go. I did enjoy interacting with some of the locals though, they were happy to see us in Saudi Arabia," Asato said.
sean johnson, jrotc educator
Johnson served in the United States Army from 1991 to 2016. He served as a 98B Intelligence Analyst, 11A Infantry Officer, and 35D All Source Intelligence Officer. Johnson also spent time being part of the Two Combat Tours in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and ROTC Commission Program at Campbell University.
"I hated transferring to new posts and leaving my friends, but I loved the comradery and loyalty from my fellow soldiers," Johnson said.
John Davis, SCIENCE educator
Davis served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. He has been stationed in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Quait. Having been one of seven soldiers selected to work with Secret Service, Davis had the opportunity to meet the President.
"I really liked the structure and the clearly defined goal-oriented tasks we were asked to perform. I also liked that we were very focused on the immediate jobs of the day, and didn’t really think about anything too far in the future. I disliked being away from my family," Davis said.
LEONARD COUSINS, Senior ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Cousins served in the United States Army for 22 years. He has been stationed at Fort Bragg (82nd Airborne Division), Giessen (West Germany), and Saudi Arabia (Egypt). He also worked as a ROTC instructor at Texas Christian University.
"I went in at 18 years old, and as I grew up and became a man, I began to understand what it meant to serve my country. I determined it was probably my greatest single decision to join the military and act of selfless service for my country by being able to put others before myself," Cousins said. "I hated that it did separate me from my family for weeks at a time. But, it was 22 years of a marvelous journey that prepared me for the second half of my life."
Barry Thornton, police officer
Thornton served in the United States Marine Corps from December 5th, 1983 to December 4th, 1989. Thornton also previously worked as a State Trooper.
"I would have to say that I loved meeting people from all walks of life. The United States Marine Corps, allowed me to do just that," Thornton said.
Rodney nutley, social studies educatoR
Nutley served in the United States Air Force. He spent four years of active duty as a Military Policeman. He has been stationed in Germany, Montana, and continued his training in San Antonio/New Jersey.
"The thing I hated most was being away from family for so long, but I loved the lifelong bond that was developed with the men I served with; there are special relationships that aren't found in the civilian world," Nutley said.
ALEJANDRO QUINTERO, CAMPUS SAFETY SPECIALIST
Quintero served in the United States Air Force, Staff Sergeant E-5 from July 1981 to March 1988. He served as an Inventory Management Specialist. He spent 18 months in Monte Vergine (Italy) at a 2181 Communications Squadron that serviced communications to armed services for Southern Europe. He also spent 12 months at Galena Airport (Alaska) to intercept Russian aircraft approaching US air space.
"I enjoyed traveling to another country to learn their customs, way of life, and beautiful scenery. For the most part, we were welcomed in their country," Quintero said.
TAMEKA SEAMAN, SPED AIDE
Seaman served in the United States Army from 2003 to 2013. She served as a 92A Automated Logistical Specialist. Her assignments included the 2nd Infantry Division (Camp Red Cloud - Korea), 101st Airborne Division (Fort Bragg - North Carolina), and 418th Medical Logistics Company (Fort Sam Houston - Texas).
"What I enjoyed most about serving in the Army was being able to travel around the world, meeting new people, and developing long lasting friendships," Seaman said.
JAMES WATKINS, JROTC EDUCATOR
Watkins served in the United States Army for 21 years. His work ranked him as Sergeant First Class, bestowing him the title of Sergeant First Class James Watkins.
"I most enjoyed serving with the Multinational Force and Observers in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt because our rotations gave us lots of time for education, scuba diving, and traveling to other countries," Watkins said.
StuCo, JROTC Host Luncheon for Military Vets
Credits:
Arlo de Vera, Brooklyn Hilmes, Caelin Cox