Students salute teachers who have served in the military.

Some soldiers choose to build lifelong careers in the armed forces. Others decide to pursue opportunities in jobs outside of the army. Teachers around LHS have supported their country by being a part of the United States armed forces. LHS students and staff appreciate all of the hard work and commitment of our past and present soldiers.

Zoology teacher Trace Larson spent five years in the Army Reserve, and 19 years in the Air Force Reserve.

“I served as a Senior Master sergeant in the Air Force. I joined the Air Force because I needed money for college, and I accomplished that through the G.I. Bill,” Larson said. “I got to travel all around the globe. I traveled to Europe, South West Asia, Central America, and all around the United States.”

According to Larson, his military experience was more of a job.

“I studied mainly in engineering and design so most of my work revolved around those that,” Larson said.

History teacher Jeffrey Wilkins is still serving in the military. Wilkins has been in the army for 21 years and three months. He is a Staff Sergeant for the Nebraska National Guard.

“I have only served state side,” Wilkins said. “I’ve been in the Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, and Missouri guard units. For active duty posts, I’ve trained at Fort Benning, Georgia, Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Lee, Virginia, Lackland Air Force Base San Antonia, Texas, Fort Hunter Ligett, California, as well as many other Guard and Reserve posts through out the country,” Wilkins said.

His most memorable experience from the army was his first airborne jump out of a C-17.

“I think it is great how Mr. Wilkins has served our country. He is inspiring many students with his bravery and passion for the military,” sophomore Jack Zhang said.

“I have met a lot of people that I consider my friends from all over the country and various parts of the world. I’m more self disciplined and have a degree of confidence that I lacked when I was younger,” Wilkins said.

Both Wilkins and Larson said that the one downside of being in the armed forces was spending time away from home.

“I was gone from my family for a long period of time. It was difficult being gone, but it really shows how much you appreciate your family. My knowledge of engineering and design has increased greatly from being in the army,” Larson said.

“I’ve always heard of the sacrifices men and women have made to secure the freedoms we enjoy in this country,” Wilkins said. “After joining the military, my eyes have been opened to just how deep those sacrifices are. We should all be very appreciative of those who have and who are currently serving.”