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 Chief Scott Loose, a JROTC instructor, First Sergeant Darrall Luckett, a JROTC instructor, and Mr. K. Robert Barlowe, a social studies teacher.
Chief Loose
Question: Which branch of the military did you serve? Can you be specific about which group, company, brigade, etc.?
Answer: “Army. Multiple units: 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Airborne),1st Infantry Division, 1st Armored Division, 101st Airborne (AASLT), Allied Command Europe Counterintelligence Activity (ACE-CIA), Afghanistan Counterinsurgency Training Center.”
Q: Why did you choose to enlist in this particular branch?
A: “The Army seemed to have the most job and promotion opportunity.”
Q: When did you enlist?
A: “January 1991”
Q: Why did you enlist?
A: “I felt it was my duty to serve. My family has a tradition of military service. And, the military is something that interested me since my earliest days.”
Q: How long did you serve?
A: “24 years”
Q: What would say to students who are thinking about enlisting?
A: “It is a great way to serve your country and it can provide career and personal opportunities that aren’t available elsewhere. Also, much of what you receive in the military can also create opportunities for a successful civilian career.”
First Sergeant Luckett
Question: Which branch of the military did you serve? Can you be specific about which group, company, brigade, etc.?
Answer: “I served in the United States Active Army Component. I was assigned to many different units, but the one that stands out more to me is the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Battalion 187th Infantry Regiment, “Rakkasans,” Fort Campbell, KY.”
Q: Why did you choose to enlist in this particular branch?
A: “I chose the Army because I knew the promotion potential was much higher and faster than other branches.”
Q: When did you enlist?
A: “I enlisted in September 1989 after attending college for one year.”
Q: Why did you enlist?
A: “I enlisted mainly to earn money to continue my college career. However, after joining, I decided the Army was the life for me.”
Q: How long did you serve?
A: “I served for over 21 years.”
Q: What would say to students who are thinking about enlisting?
A: “I encourage students to give the military a try if you don’t have other specific goals. I truly believe the Army will allow you to grow and expose you to a variety of life adventures that will eventually put you on the path to life success.”
Mr. Barlowe
“In high school, I was a member of our Marine Corps JROTC program. I loved it and did all of the activities and teams, eventually becoming Executive Officer. I was inspired by our instructors, Lt. Col. John D. Harrill, and 1st Sgt. Marshall McCleese, to pursue a commission in the Marines. I modeled myself on these men who had served their country in war, and then came to serve our community through education. They are the reason I am here now.
“I applied for and received an NROTC scholarship to attend Vanderbilt University. In 1996, I took a commission as a Marine Officer. I became and Communication and Informations Systems Officer (Commo) with the 7th Marine Regiment in Twentynine Palms, CA, and served three years.
“I think that military service is an excellent bridge from childhood to independent adulthood. The structure and guidance lay a foundation- professionally, socially, economically, and physically, for a long fruitful life of service. College and work can teach some of those, but only the military provides all of them. It is dangerous, but that makes it self-sacrificial. We can use more of that in our society.”
A big thank you to Chief Loose, First Sgt. Luckett, and Mr. Barlowe for their service!
