by Alix Messer |

There are many heroes in America. Some are born for the job, like a king or queen. Others grow into their role, like a lawyer. A different kind of hero is raised in Liberty High School. Here, students prepare for the armed forces by participating in Future Soldiers of America (FSA) or are influenced in unique ways that prepare them for their goals.

Jeffry Wilkins, the sponsor of FSA and history teacher, gives lessons on military and battle techniques every Thursday in room 911.

“I occasionally will give a class on land navigation, drill and ceremony, deploying hand grenades, move under fire, etc….. typical warrior tasks,” Wilkins said.

Not only does he have a wealth of knowledge, but also a wealth of experience.

“I have had a myriad of experiences both great and rough.  Throwing my first live hand grenade, live rounds being fired four feet above my head while crawling through mud under barbed wire, spending days out in the bush while rain was pouring down, to all the interesting people I’ve met,” Wilkins said. “It is tough to pick just one.  I’d have to say my first Airborne jump from a C-17 though would stand out as one my favorite memories.”

Through Wilkins’ knowledge, there comes a responsibility of training and teaching the new recruits. But it is up to the recruits to decide which branch of the military they will go into.

“I can’t say that this is for sure where I’m going, but I want to go into the Air Force,” sophomore Rachel Young said.

The Air Force also has a reserve,  for people who want a part-time career in the Air Force.

“I want to go into the Air Force Reserve,” senior Annie Doyle said. “I know the Air Force pertains a lot to family life and they have good educational benefits.”

Many students are influenced by their family members who have served in the military.

“I would say that my step-grandfather and uncle influenced me most about going into the military,” Young said.

No matter how much influence though, these high schoolers have to work hard to get into the military. Not only do they have strength and endurance training, but many opportunities to enhance their knowledge of the military.

“If a person has ANY interest at all in the military, I think that to explore the opportunities available through cadet programs is highly worth it,” Young said. “My experiences at Civil Air Patrol have also helped me lead the group of people at FSA and educate them about the basics of military life. Whether they [the students of FSA] enlist or not, it’s my goal to help give them the tools necessary to succeed and become a leader.”

Since there are four different branches of military, there is a wide variety of jobs and careers to be obtained. With so many branches and different careers within those branches, it is sometimes hard to decide which branch to go into.

“The advice I give out the most to students interested in joining the military is to do your research into each branch,” Wilkins said, “See what job opportunities they each have to offer and to pick the branch and job that best fits into your future plans.”

No matter which branch is picked, whether full-time or part-time, medic or staff sergeant, we thank you, the military family of LHS.