Each year on November 11, the United States recognizes veterans who served in one of the Armed Forces. Because of the proximity to Fort Campbell, Clarksville is home to many hundreds, if not thousands, of veterans. West Creek has its share of veterans as well.
In recognition of the faculty and staff who served, The Coyote Caller would like to profile these brave men and women. Up to Veteran’s Day, we will introduce readers to two veterans a day and let them explain in their own words the significance of serving.
Today, meet Mr. Juan Flores, a science teacher, Mr. Justin Lantz, a science teacher, and Mr. Andrew Alston, an English teacher.
Mr. Flores
Question: Which branch of the military did you serve? Can you be specific about which group, company, brigade, etc.?
Answer: “Army”
Q: When did you enlist?
A: “2009”
Q: Why did you enlist?
A: “I joined so I can protect my family and country.”
Q: How long did you serve?
A: “2009-20015 (6 years), 1 deployment to Afghanistan ‘Camp Leatherneck’ in 2011-2012.”
Mr. Lantz
Question: Which branch of the military did you serve? Can you be specific about which group, company, brigade, etc.?
Answer: “I enlisted in the US Air Force. I served as a communications maintenance technician and a special agent in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.”
Q: Why did you choose to enlist in this particular branch?
A: “They had the shortest (easiest) basic training.”
Q: When did you enlist?
A: “August 2001 (less than a month before 9/11)”
Q: Why did you enlist?
A: “To see the world, get out of the small town I was living in.”
Q: How long did you serve?
A: “11 years, 11 months”
Q: What would say to students who are thinking about enlisting?
A: “Talk to people that have been in before. Get as much information as you can. The military offers great benefits and opportunities but also comes with commitment and responsibility. Learn as much as you can before taking the oath.”
Mr. Alston
Question: Which branch of the military did you serve? Can you be specific about which group, company, brigade, etc.?
Answer: “I served in the Army. I was stationed at Fort Stewart, GA serving in 4th Brigade Combat Team in 3-15th Infantry Regiment. Once I left there, I was stationed here at Fort Campbell serving in 1st Brigade 2-327 Infantry Regiment. I was an infantryman, so combat was my job, it was fun and not so fun at times.”
Q: Why did you choose to enlist in this particular branch?
A: The Army seemed like the best option for me at the time, it had the most opportunities.
Q: When did you enlist?
A: “I enlisted in November of 2012.”
Q: Why did you enlist?
A: “I decided to enlist because it was time for a change in my life. I wanted to become a better person for my family.”
Q: How long did you serve?
A: “I served for 9 years. If you count the time in the National Guard after my active-duty contract ended, it will be a total of 12 years.”
Q: What would say to students who are thinking about enlisting?
A: “If you are thinking about it, do it. If I could go back and do it again, I would. I became a better person resulting from my time in the Army. The only reason I chose to get out was due to unfortunate circumstances within my family that needed to take priority over everything else, and continuing to serve wasn’t working out since I needed to be present at home. If any of you are ever debating on joining or not, come see me in room J123.”
