US Navy Captain Ed McNamee '78 returning to the USS Kityhawk after a flight in an F/A-18 Hornet.

The Limestone College family is proud of its military roots. From alumni and current students to members of faculty and staff, those roots stretch far and wide.

We asked our veterans to share their most memorable experiences from their years of service. The following are their stories, their experiences, and told in their own words.

Ed McNamee ‘78

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management

US Navy; 30 years and 20 days of service

I met a US Navy officer programs recruiter while I was recruiting for Limestone College in Columbia, SC. The Navy didn't hard-sell me but waited until I graduated. Afterwards, I went back to them and I took the exams that any prospective officer has to take.

A Bold Decision
In 1978 when I told my classmates at Limestone that I was thinking about joining the Navy, there were some people who were supportive and some who questioned why I'd consider it. The Vietnam War had ended for the U.S. in 1973, but North Viet Nam captured Saigon in 1975. So clearly you had to want to join the military on your own will; you didn't do it because people talked you into it.

My father served at the end of World War II in the Navy, then served in the Merchant Marines during the Korean War. My father's brother served in the Coast Guard. Also, I grew up in South Florida near the water, and we were always fishing or boating, and I really liked the ocean.

Learning to Fly and Taking Command
When I joined the Navy, I was sent to flight school at Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, FL and was commissioned an Ensign. I was too tall to fly jets, so I learned to fly helicopters and loved it. After commanding a squadron of helicopters on an aircraft carrier, I was selected to command an amphibious assault ship with over 2,000 U.S. Marines on board and was eventually selected to be the Captain of USS Kitty Hawk, one of the Navy's eleven aircraft carriers. The Kitty Hawk was permanently stationed in Yokosuka, Japan, approximately 25 miles south of Tokyo.

Surprising Impact
In the ten years of war that have followed 9/11, most people would expect that I'd cite some war time experience as having the most impact on me. While I served in Operation Desert Storm (the first Gulf War) and can look back favorably on what I did with the other folks I served with, the two things that stick with me the most are:

1. Appreciating how fortunate we are after spending two days assisting tsunami victims in Bangladesh in 1991
2. How grateful I was to be able to represent the United States while serving in Japan for nearly six years and visiting numerous other countries. The United States provides tremendous hope to countries that are still growing, and plays an important role as a friend, mentor or senior partner to other advanced nations.

The Navy represented more than a career for me; it was a life and lifestyle that molded me and my wife, Pam. Of course, your parents provide the foundation for the kind of person you will become. When I look back on who I was when I joined the Navy, I was a piece of clay ready to be molded. The Navy taught me how to appreciate technology, appreciate the people around me, and to understand the "big picture" wherever you are.

Effects of Limestone and the Navy
The Navy did not change me; the Navy allowed me to become who I wanted to be. Limestone College played a much bigger role in changing me; it exposed me to a wide variety of important influences-good and bad-but led me toward public service and helped me to learn that integrity meant doing the right thing when others aren't looking. It provided the right balance of "social laboratory" and moral oversight that I needed, and It helped me to learn how to think and communicate. When I met the late Dr. Montague McMillan, she introduced me to the phrase "noblesse oblige" - rank implies honor (as I have always understood it). That was a meaningful moment which was among many others like it while I was at Limestone.

Dave Rilling

Dave Rilling

Vice President of Financial Affairs; Limestone College
US Marine Corps: 1954-1981

When I graduated from college in August 1955, I received an invitation in the form of a draft notice to join Uncle Sam's Army.

I went to the reserve unit hoping to get assigned to an officer candidate course but none was available. So I enlisted as a US Marine recruit and found myself on Parris Island, SC for boot camp. I then went to three Marine Corps Schools and was assigned to the 2d Marine Air Wing at Cherry Point, NC as an Aviation Electronics Technician in November 1956. Just a few months later, I was finally accepted to the 18th Officer Candidate Course. My rank at that time was corporal.

A Leader of Men
I commanded every unit in the Marine Corps from squad leader (12 other marines) to a rifle platoon (45 men) to a rifle company (210 men) to a battalion landing team of some 1,500 men. I was also Executive Officer of the 6th Marine Regiment of some 6,000 men; a regiment that has a sterling combat record in all wars fought by the United States since WW I at the battle of Belleau Woods. I commanded a rifle company in the Vietnam War for a year, and have served in all four of the Corps combat divisions including the fourth division as an Inspector Instructor for a reserve rifle company in Springfield, Missouri from 1966-69.

Other highlights for me included serving as

• Platoon commander for I/3/9 in the Quemoy Crisis on Taiwan in 1957-58
• Trainer of recruits at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in San Diego in 1959-1962
• Fleet Marine Force, Pacific (FMFPAC) Honor Guard Commander; 1962-1965
• Company Commander i/3/9; 1965-66
• Inspector-Instructor for graduate school at Drury University, 1967-1970; and the 3rd Marine Division on Okinawa in 1970-71
• Systems Analyst Marine Corps Headquarters in Washington, DC
• Instructor at the Marine Corps Schools at Quantico 1975-78
• Battalion Commander and Regimental XO with the 2d Marine Division at Camp LeJeune, NC, 1978-1980
• Plans Officer for the 2d Force Service Support Group at Camp LeJeune where implemented the doctrine I had written as a logistics instructor at Quantico earlier.

Exchanging One Career for Another
I had a great time in the Marine Corps from December 1954 to my last day on active duty in 1981. I have seen a lot of the world at taxpayer expense, and have been able to know some of the finest people ever put on this earth as well as some of the worst.

God knew where I needed to be, and so, at the age of 48 I began a second career-now in its 30th year-in the field of higher education.

Joshua Spencer '11 (right) with Staff Sgt Brandon Pye in Afghanistan.

Joshua Spencer '11

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
South Carolina National Guard; 9 years

I am an infantry fire team leader, and have worked as an embedded advisor assisting the Afghanistan Army.

My decision to enlist was prompted by my outrage over the 9/11 and Somalia terrorist attacks. Military is also a tradition in my family that includes service by my grandfather, uncles, cousins, and even my brother. I did not intend on the military being a career for me but is has been a way of life over these past years.

Under Fire from the Taliban and Commendation for Valor
I have had many experiences throughout my time in the theatre of war, but I would say my most memorable would be in the Chauka Valley in Eastern Afghanistan. After our remote outpost came under enemy attack by mortars and small arms fire, I grabbed a shoulder-fired rocket and took out the closest threat to me.

After what seemed an eternity of small arms fire raining down on our outpost, I noticed my military partner was across the outpost with the Afghans we were instructing. That side was under heavy fire and had Taliban fighters maneuvering on their position. Sgt. Carter was my partner, and over the radio he notified me that he was out of grenade rounds for his grenade launcher. I did what any soldier would do for his partner and friend; I shouldered a bag full of rounds, checked cover fire by our Army counterparts, and took off across 75 feet of open ground. While I was running across the open area I could hear rounds overhead and in front, but nothing hit me. With a final leap I landed safely behind the sandbags and passed out the ammo. For doing this, which I still consider my job, I was awarded the Army Commendation medal with V Device for Valor.

Life Lessons
Through my service, I have learned to adapt to situations, and to never quit. Nothing is impossible with determination and the will to succeed.

I have also realized how free we really are. I lived with the Afghans, but they have little to nothing compared to what we have in America. I thank God for His goodness in my life, and I try to thank Him daily for allowing me the honor of being born in a country as great as America.

Ronald Palmer ‘04

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
US Navy; Vietnam Era

A Strong Family Military TraditionMy Grandfather was in the army and fought in France in WWI. My father was in the Coast Guard and fought in WWII.My uncle was in the Navy and fought in the Pacific in WWII. In my generation my sister Orian was an Army Nurse and retired as a Major.

My brother, Richard, who is also in the Limestone graduation picture to your right was in Army Intelligence and is retired after 20 years. My brother Glenn served 11 years in the Army, and my brother George served in the Army Reserves. My sisters son Gregory was an Army Colornel in the Special Forces and served in Mozoul during operation Iraqi Freedom. My son is currently a E7 Army Medic, and served in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Seeing the Horrors of War
I joined the Navy, and I served during the Vietnam era, but did not go there. Most of my time was spent as a staff corpsman in Great Lakes, Illinois. I participated in several air evacuation. mission where bus loads of wounded were transported from O'Hare Airport to the Great Lakes Hospital facility. There was also a helicopter evacuatiion of critically wounded.

I saw the amputations, eviscerated bowels, head wounds, amebic dysentery, and the fear that made the sick jump to the defensive when you approached them at night to take their temperature or give them medication.

I treated people of venereal disease contracted from spouses after coming home, and talked to wounded who learned that their spouses and loved ones had cheated or left them while they were in combat. I think that the media hides this side of war from the public.

While I did not serve in Viet Nam, but the exposure to those that did had a lot to do with my choice of psychology as a major.

Ernest Meyers ‘07

Bachelor of Science in Sport Management
Test Proctor and Assistant Sports Information Director at Limestone
US Army 1997-2004

Although military service was a tradition in my family (my father served in the Army, uncle in the Air Force, grandfathers in the Army and Navy, brother in Army National Guard) and was a factor in my decision to join the military as was a sense of patriotism, the main factor that pushed me into military service was that I wanted a sense of accomplishment. At that point in my life (20-years-old), I felt that I was going nowhere fast. So, I actually gave up an opportunity to fulfill one of my dreams of playing college basketball (I had an offer to play for Lancaster Bible College) and enlisted in the Army. Going in, I wanted to look back on my life one day and say that I accomplished something honorable by serving my country. Furthermore, I went in with an understanding that I would find direction in my life. Mission completed!

While I can say that I served in an active combat zone, the following details are all that I can provide. I was an AH-64A Apache Helicopter Armament/Electrical Systems/Avionics Technician. I worked on all electrical and avionic flight systems that were connected with the Pilot Night Vision System (PNVS), all flight instruments (i.e., altimeter, air speed indicators, warning systems, etc.), the Target Acquisition and Detections System (TADS), and onboard weapon systems, just to name a few. I also worked on the mechanical aspects of the weapon systems. During combat operations, I was responsible for loading the aircraft with ordinance.

Helicopters in the Combat Zone
We usually broke up into very small teams and would use Blackhawk helicopters or land vehicles to continuously jump from one location to another to set up refueling and rearming spots. I was also on the Downed Aircraft Recovery Team (DART) and would help to recover an aircraft and its crew that (a) made an emergency landing (b) that crashed landed, and/or (c) was shot down.

Sling-Loaded History
I can say that I was part of a team that accomplished military aviation history in 2000. While deployed to Bosnia, an Apache helicopter made an emergency landing in a previously undiscovered mine field (luckily, the owner of the land quickly made us aware of this fact). The aircraft was too damaged to repair on-site and it was not possible to put the aircraft on a flatbed trailer. Therefore, for the first time in U.S. Army aviation history (according to the commanders involved in the decision), we brought in a Chinook helicopter and sling-loaded the bird back to the airfield. The aircraft was salvaged and able to fly again a few weeks later.

A Life Impacted
It may sound cliché, but joining the military was one of the best decisions I ever made. It was through the military that I met my wife, Shelly, and is what eventually led me here to Limestone. I learned lifelong lessons of respect, integrity and honor; values that I try to practice each and every day in my personal and professional life. The military taught me the value of hard work and sacrifice. I am grateful for my time in uniform, it made me the person I am today.

My military service also made me really appreciate the freedoms that so many Americans take for granted. Having traveled to other countries and cultures and how they do things, made me realize how fortunate we are to live in such a great country. It's one of the many reasons why I'm proud to place my hand over my heart during National Anthem while so many others do not.

Russell Shead '80

Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance
U.S. Air Force service dates: Active Duty from May 1985 - September 1991; Reserves from October 1991 to June 1998

My father served in the Air Force with the Military Police during the Korean War. During his time off, he would occasionally fly with a pilot friend of his.

Growing up, I was always interested in flying and often considered the Air Force as a possibility for achieving that goal. Several factors influenced my final decision to enlist, which I know now was all in God's plan, including meeting my wonderful wife, Carol, during pilot training in Columbus, Mississippi. We will celebrate our 25th anniversary this year.

When it Absolutely, Positively Has to Be There!
I was an air transport pilot serving in Military Airlift Command (MAC), which the Air Force today calls the Air Mobility Command. I flew support missions. MAC pilots were often referred to as "trash haulers," because we carried everything from personnel to bombs, missiles, supplies, food, mail, vehicles, aircraft engines, aircraft parts, and even entire aircraft....anything and everything that needed to be transported, MAC did the job.

My first assignment was to Zweibrucken Air Base, West Germany (before the Berlin Wall came down), flying the C-23A Sherpa - a small turboprop transport. We flew to 15 countries in Western Europe in support of the Air Force, Army, and Navy.

My second assignment was to Charleston Air Force, South Carolina, where I the C-141 Starlifter. However, I did not get to see much of Charleston, because Desert Shield/Desert Storm Operations started up just a few weeks after my wife and I arrived. I was gone most of the time flying missions to Europe and the Middle East. I did log some combat time during the short "official" span of the war, but it was in a support role, transporting personnel and munitions into the combat theater of operations.

In the Air Force Reserves, I worked at Headquarters for the Air Mobility Command, Scott Air Force Base, Illinois. I was a mission planner in charge of all airlift from the U.S west coast to India.

Two experiences come to mind...
First was a trip to East Berlin, where I got to experience the Berlin Wall first-hand ...traveling through the Berlin corridor at 7,000 feet (and observing the anti-aircraft missiles on the ground tracking our plane); meeting the diplomatic flight approval personnel - the "Allies" from WWII all in the same room working together...Americans, French, British and Russians (which was strange, since we were still in a cold war with the Russia); taking a helicopter tour of the Berlin Wall; and of course, transiting the famous "Checkpoint Charlie" gateway to East Berlin, with all the diplomatic protocol that was required for passage.

Second memorable experience was flying to Budapest, Hungary and Prague, Czechoslovakia, on a presidential support mission. We based out of Rhein Main Air Base, Frankfurt, Germany, and flew in the Secret Service and media personnel, along with the presidential motorcade vehicles. We would fly in to preposition the assets beforehand and then would fly back in and pick them up afterward. I also got to see Shirley Temple Black, U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia (no singing or dancing, though).

Sacrifices
After traveling and living abroad, I realize that, even with the problems that our country faces, the United States of America is still the best place in the world to live. I am truly thankful for our founding fathers' courage, resolve, and sacrifices that helped mold and shape our country and for the perpetual efforts of our armed forces that afford us all the freedoms that we enjoy today.

I now have a thorough understanding of the sacrifices and commitments that members of the armed forces have to make. I have a sincere appreciation and respect for their service to our country.

Gabe Stoeppler

Gabe Stoeppler

Associate Professor of Business Administration at Limestone
US Army, 1968-1971

I was an ROTC student at City College of New York. I joined ROTC because as a night student I didn't have sufficient hours for a student deferment.

Drafted!
I finished my ROTC classes in 1964, but didn't graduate until September, 1967. I received a telegram at work stating that I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the infantry and had 30 days to repot to Fort Benning, Georgia for basic infantry officer training (SURPRIZE!).

I was a "1542" MOS - Infantry Small Unit Leader, and was assigned as a basic training officer at Fort Dix, New Jersey for five months and then served with the 4thBattalion/31 Infantry, 196th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam from 12/68 to 7/70.

My positions included Platoon Leader, Support Platoon Leader, Company Commander, and Battalion Supply Officer. My final assignment back in the "states" was as a "platform instructor" at the Army Intelligence School, teaching counter-insurgency tactics to junior intelligence officers.

American Toughness
My overall memory is the toughness and resilience of the typical American 18-19-year-old draftee. They just wouldn't quit. Too bad none of our correspondents ever wrote about that. No Ernie Pyle's in Vietnam. Also, I remember the incredible bravery of our helicopter crews. Not once in my time there did I ever experience a Huey or Cobra gunship refuse a mission.

Alfred Robinson '85

Alfred Robinson ‘85

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
US Navy; 24 years

When I joined the Navy, it was very much a spur of the moment thing. I was the first in my family to serve and I saw it as a chance to see the world. I had no idea I would love it as much as I did.

Floating Hospitals
I ended up serving 24 years aboard various hospital designated vessels such as the USS Abraham Lincoln and USS Juneau. My responsibilities included:

• Administering first aid
• Assisting with physical examinations
• Making basic clinical assessments
• Providing nursing care to patients
• Administering medicine
• Assisting in the transportation of the sick and injured

Continuing to Serve After Retirement
Even after retirement, I am involved with the Navy through the Military Sealift Command, which is comprised mostly of retired military personnel who still have a desire to serve. We serve very much like merchant marines in that we supply cargo and fuel for the naval ships at sea.

I have nothing but pride about my service to our country. I have taken part in missions to Japan, Dubai, the Middle East, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

George Ash '94

George Ash ‘94

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work
United States Marine Corps (Reserves) 1990-present.

The Marine Corps provided me a since of honor. The Corps also instilled in me courage and discipline. I will forever be a US Marine.

A Family Affair
My father, uncle and brother were in the US Navy. My father and uncle both retired after 20+ years of service. My decision to join the Marine Corps was based on their naval service, and my decision to challenge myself. In addition, my family members often remind me the Corps is a part of the Department of the Navy. I tell them in my most passive voice that they are correct, but we are the "men's department" for the Navy.

I enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1990 and achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant-Infantry Platoon Sergeant-Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) 0369 in 2003, which is a significant position for those in the Infantry due to not everyone achieving the MOS. I later became a Chief Warrant Officer, and was commissioned in December 2004. My last position was as the Patient Liaison Officer with the Wounded Warrior Regiment, an honorable position considering I had the chance to work with our bravest Marines

Jelly Combat and Missle Riding
I had two combat tours with the Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. During my first combat tour, we were working as a screening mission for the Second Marine Division in 1991, and while operating an observation and listening post on the Kuwait-Saudi border two of my fellow junior enlisted Marines volunteered to get a package which was sent to me from a family friend. The Marines trekked the hal-mile distance to collect the package. At the same time the Iraqi army fired multiple Frog missiles at our position. It was like the Fourth of July on the ground. The explosions stopped and my friends returned with the package. Needless to say they were shaken up due to the lack of cover in the open desert. We opened the package to find little containers of McDonald's jelly. All of us had a huge laugh due to them possibly sacrificing their lives for my jelly.

In Iraq 2003, we were conducting vehicle reconnaissance mission along the highways. During one mission we found a tarp covered trailer containing a long rocket. At the time we thought we discovered a missile carrying poisonous gas, a big find considering Saddam Hussein's use of gas was a precursor for our invasion. The Battalion Commander arrived and we were advised we needed to guard the site. In addition, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Marines arrived to disarm the missile. A few of my Marines wanted to take pictures of the missile and I asked the senior EOD Marine if it was OK. He advised we could ride the missile all we wanted because if it were to explode it would vaporize everything in a 250 yard radius. My Marines took the initiative and decided to perform rodeo positions on top of the missile. I too took a photo in the trailer, holding a Limestone Lacrosse sign.

I knew that joining the Marine Corps was a goal. Once I achieved the title of Marine, I looked for other challenges; however, I chose to stay in the Marine Corps Reserves in order to maintain my nexus to the Corps, as well as have some form of retirement after completing 20 years of service. The Marine Corps has provided me ample amount of opportunities in the civilian workforce. I presently serve as a Civilian Special Agent for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. I chose NCIS because of the nexus to the Navy and Marine Corps.

Shared Patriotism?
I have traveled the world and cannot put into words the feeling I get everytime I see the colors of our flag or hear our anthem. With that said, I am ashamed and frustrated with US citizens who do not display the same appreciation.

C.R. Horton

Carnegie Ross (CR) Horton '89

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Marketing; Vice President of Information Technology and Director of Limestone's Extended Campus Internet Program
US Navy; 1965-1985

During my submarine assignments, I served primarily as a nuclear trained electrical operator. As such, my team and I were responsible for all electrical generating equipment, all electrical distribution systems, all ventilation systems, and all control systems on the main and auxiliary machines.
I started my military career on January 25, 1965, in the US Navy. I (originally intended to enlist with the) Marine Corp as my father was a Marine during World War II. After high school, I felt the need to get away from home for a while and chose the Navy as it provided me with the guarantee of two years of schooling in nuclear power submarine program.

Nuclear Power Submarine Training in Sub-Zero Degree Weather
After spending about eight months in the Great Lakes Training Center after arriving from Greenville, SC in weather that was 25 degree below zero, was I ever questioning my decision. I did survive but did not see anything but snow/ice covered ground for six months. After leaving Great Lakes, I shipped off to the first phase of Nuclear Power School, which consisted of eight hour days in the classroom for six months learning theoretical operation of a nuclear power plant. This was more challenging than any high school or college program I had ever attended.

When we completed the classroom phase, we moved to the operational phase for six more months. We lived through every possible situation that could occur while operating a naval nuclear power plant. It was all on land through. The next three months were devoted to going through the Navy Submarine School, part of my recruitment promise. Although most time was spent in the classroom, we did experience a "free ascend" for fifty feet under water with no air tanks. This was to show we could escape from a submarine that had sunk. It was scary but I made it.

I finally reported onto my first submarine after January 1967. The USS Albacore was a diesel boat that was used to test many new features for the Submarine Program. The Albacore was the first boat that took on the "cigar shape" hull boats. We would install new equipment and then go out to for sea trials (testing) of the new equipment. It was during this testing that we learned things that would benefit the entire fleet.

Staying Undetectable and Unseen
After about six months, I transferred to the USS Sam Houston, one of the two Fleet Ballistics Missile FBM boats I would served on. While in the shipyard for nuclear refueling, we devoted long hours to learning every system in the Engineering Department as we had to supervise the installation and testing, of every single piece of equipment. Again a super learning experience. I served on the Sam Houston for four two-month patrols. Most of the patrols were in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean. We would spend 60 days under the ocean with every patrol. Our mission was to stay undetectable and remain unseen. The longest time I spent under the ocean was 70 days.
Three years later, I was transferred to the USS Pogy, a fast attack submarine and different boat altogether. These are among the quietest of submarines and are used for many purposes besides anti-submarine warfare. The primary mission was to track movements and operation of other naval vessels, including submarines and surface ships-our "targets."

My favorite duty in the Navy was during six months on patrol, which translated to 60 days underwater and then a month in ports and then another 60 days underwater. We traveled through the Panama Canal, under the North Pole, and port in Korea, Thailand, and Japan. Two months were devoted to patrolling the coast of Vietnam and the Russian ports.

The final boat I served on was the USS Henry Clay, another FBM submarine. The biggest difference here was we stayed mainly in the mid-Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans. We did launch a missile during sea trial, which was very exciting.

I later spent two tours as an instructor (shore duty): one at Nuclear Power School and the other at Fleet Mine Warfare School teaching Leadership and Management to middle managers and upper managers.

Archie Fowler

Archie Fowler

Associate Professor of Education at Limestone
US Army; 1954-1957

I was 19-years-old and out of high school with no particular plans for the future when I decided to look at the military service. After basic training at Fort Jackson, SC, I was assigned to Fort Gordon, GA as a cryptographer; my job was working with codes.

Code Master
I had to receive a top secret clearance for my assignment and many friends and acquaintances reported that FBI agents interviewed them about my trustworthiness. I must have passed muster because I eventually became a cryptographer.

After completing my training, I was shipped to Port of Whittier, AK, where I served for 18 months in the command office. My responsibility included decoding and encoding military messages for the entire base. I was fortunate to receive a special commendation from the United States Navy for my work there.

I returned to Fort Gordon and spent the remainder of my active service there as Company Clerk.

Army Opens Door for Career in Educating Others
I enjoyed my years in the Army and benefited greatly from the time that I served. One of the greatest benefits was the opportunity it gave me to pursue my postgraduate work at Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) in Boone, NC, on the G.I. Bill. This opportunity opened the door to a 48-year career in the field of education. For that, I will be eternally grateful.

Rick Banis

Rick Banis

Head Men's and Women's Volleyball Coach at Limestone
US Air Force; 1993-1998

I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with my life at the time and had an older brother that had been in the Air Force and after contemplating for a few months and talking to USAF recruiters I decided to join.I selected carpentry and welding as a career choice which is under the Civil Engineering Squadron.

Seeing the World
I have always loved to travel and take on new adventures and what better way to do that than to also serve my country?I was stationed at McClellan AFB in Sacramento CA and Misawa AB Japan. I also did deployments to South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait.

I did learn to appreciate the sacrifices that each military member has to take on but also the sacrifice that each family member has to face. There is the inherent danger in every job in the military and that is part of the commitment we have made. There's also the time away from family and friends and the stress of uncertainty for them of your safety.

I remember arriving in Kuwait in late September and the temperature was 122'F. Not a tree in sight and nothing but sand as far as the eye could see. I remember someone telling me that dry heat is not as hot and thinking they have never been in 120'F heat.

Stealth Fighter and Rain Storm
Some memorable times there included the first time ever in Air Force history that the A-10, F-16, and Stealth Fighter had ever been stationed together and it was on our base. I remember the sky and everything around it turning brown in a sand storm. I remember the excitement of the one and only rain storm (which lasted about 10 seconds). I remember the 12-hour-work-day six days a week for four months.

I Will Never Forget
But most of all I remember the people I worked with and for side by side every day. That camaraderie and team spirit is something I try to pass on to my teams here at Limestone every day.

Although I did not choose the military as a life-long career, my time in the Air Force is something I will always cherish and never forget. There is something special about a person that will voluntarily give a portion or all of their life to defending freedom, our great nation, and way of life. I take it as a great honor to have done my little part and am whole heartedly grateful to those that still serve and have given their lives for that cause. I will never forget.

Daniel Sean Smith '11

Daniel Sean Smith '11

US Air Force; 2001-2007

I enlisted due to two circumstances: I was unsure about my attitude and seriousness towards college immediately after high school and felt that I may not be ready to venture out on my own and dedicate myself completely to my schooling. I also come from a family where my grandfather (Army), two uncles (Marines and Navy), and an aunt (Air Force) on my mother's side all served in some capacity. I couldn't resist an opportunity to be a part of something bigger than myself so I jumped in.

From Active Duty to the Reserves
While on active duty, I worked as a Tactical Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman (Crew Chief) on the F-16 Fighting Falcon. I achieved the rank of SrA (Senior Airman) before I made the transition after three years to the Reserves in South Carolina. Once in the Reserves, I served at the same rank as an Air Transportation Journeyman in Charleston.

One of the best experiences I had was that our base also housed an aircraft unit that belonged to the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF). Being able to work and share experiences with the members of RSAF helped to open my eyes to the cultures and lifestyles of others from another part of the world. They were fantastic people with an incredible work ethic. Being able to serve next to them gave me an opportunity to grow and learn from someone beyond this nation's borders.

Deepening Faith of Nation and Others
I already had a deep rooted love for our nation before I ever graduated high school. By serving, I developed a more sincere passion for our country because I was able to travel it and train in places I've never been before. To see the various landscapes and meet people with different accents, one begins to see the bigger picture. We live in a free and beautiful country.

My military experience deepened my faith and devotion to others beyond me. By being placed in an environment where others were placed before me, I was humbled. Most Americans simply don't realize how much we take for granted. I'm sure that I would have taken that path had I not signed those enlistment papers back in June of 2001. We are a part of something much larger, regardless of where we live and our background. My service gave me the opportunity to see that there is always someone who may be in need, and if I am able, I should be there to help in any way possible.

Willie Burnside '06 in Saudi Arabia just before the start of Desert Storm.

Willie Burnside '06

My military career has taken me to many places, including Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait. Visiting other countries and experiencing the different cultures makes one realize that freedom is not free for everyone. I also served at Fort Stewart, Georgia; Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and with the 121st Infantry Battalion in Hawaii.

I was a Medical non-commissioned officer (NCO), and held the positions of Platoon Sergeant Medical/Treatment, Medical Hold /Infirmary NCOIC, Emergency Room NCOIC, Ambulatory Nursing Services NCOIC, and Readiness/Training NCO. I am also a Desert Storm veteran, and served with the 24th Infantry Division.

A Decorated Soldier
My decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army Achievement Medal with two Oak Leaf Cluster, the National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, the Southwest Asia Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, the Humanitarian Service Medal, the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Saudi Arabia, the Kuwait Liberation Medal-Kuwait, the Expert Field Medical Badge, the Expert Marksmanship Qualification Badge with Rifle and Pistol, and the Driver Badge with Bar.

One of the Best Treatment Platoons in the Army
I have so many great memories of my time in service, but I guess my favorite memory is of my at Fort, Drum, NY. I was in charge of the Treatment Platoon, which consisted mostly of female soldiers. We were highly motivated to set up our position of the company section including treatment, X-ray, dental, patient hold tents, and all equipment that was required. We were one of the best Treatment Platoons in the Army at that time.

Tim Hanshaw

Tim Hanshaw

US Air Force; Four Years

I joined the Air Force because I had reached a turning point in my life and needed some solid direction with the hopes of improving my future. I had always wanted to serve my country and the timing was right. My father and brother had both served and it was a small way to honor them and my country.

Desert Storm and Desert Shield
While serving in Desert Storm and Desert Shield, I had numerous jobs but primarily was trained as a mental health specialist and crisis response first responder to disasters and national security events.
My military experience made me a better person and much more appreciative and thankful to be an American. I saw many terrible things but wouldn't trade the experience for anything. The best aspects were the friendships gained, the travel, and the opportunity to develop my career.

The military was not a career for me only because I was accepted into graduate school and wanted to focus my attention towards higher education which eventually led me to Limestone.

A Strengthened Love for Country
I'm a good ‘ol boy form the mountains of West Virginia and I bleed the red, white, and blue. I currently serve and have served as the local VFW Chapter Post 3447 House Committee Chairman for the past three years. My military experience only confirmed for me the thoughts and feelings I already had regarding my love for this great nation and the opportunity to promote freedom.

When you communicate and help individuals who live in other parts of the world and have not experienced the freedom we have, it really makes you appreciate how precious freedom is and how very short life is. I don't let the little things bother me or get preoccupied with the drama of everyday living.

For Those Still Serving...
My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to those still serving or missing in action. May God be with you and return home safely.

Brenda Watkins

Brenda Watkins

Assignments Near and Far
I was a Law Enforcement Specialist the first 10 years and an Education Specialist the last 10 years. My duty assignments included

• Bolling AFB, Washington DC
• Vance AFB, OK
• March AFB, CA
• Thule, Greenland
• Charleston AFB, SC
• Taegu, South Korea
• Shaw AFB, SC
• Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
• Keflavik AS, Iceland

I had a lot of memorable experiences in the Air Force. Each time I achieved a higher rank it was memorable. The first medal, the Air Force Achievement medal, I was awarded for passing a base wide inspection was memorable. When I arrived in Greenland for my assignment and it was dark at 2:00 in the afternoon was a different experience. Experiencing darkness for much of the day and then light for much of the day really messes up your sleep patterns.

Recognizing the Uniqueness of America
I have always been patriotic, but serving in the military made me more appreciative of not only what I have, but also the way I can live. People in other countries do not have the luxuries of Americans, and one has to see how other cultures live to appreciate what one has.

My military experience made me more worldly. I can appreciate other cultures and their customs without the attitude that they are strange. The experiences of other countries and what they have to offer is memorable, and I would not change the experiences for anything.

Dr. Bill Baker

Dr. Bill Baker

Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Limestone
US Army; two years

I was drafted just about the time the Korean conflict ended. I was an enlisted man and one of my main assignments was lecturing to visiting government and military leaders from USA and other countries about US training. On occaision, I met with some of the leaders in the US Senate and foreign dignitaries who came to Fort Jackson, SC to learn about basic training for soldiers.

I think I have always been a patriotic American; service in the military during my youth was viewed as essential. I was not aware of any avoidance or demonstrations to the contrary.

Mmy two-years in the Army were memorable in that I learned a lot about the USA and my associates, young men who were proud to be in uniform. The experience also helped me grow, learn, and mature, and helped prepare me for leadership in the civilian world by affording me opportunities to speak to the most diverse audiences in my life.

Dwight Blue '09

Dwight Blue '09

Serving with Distinction
Since enlisting, I have served as a First Sergeant in charge of 109 Soldiers in a Transportation Company, and am a Civil Servant for the Army now.

I was inducted in the Prestigious Sergeant Audie Murphy Club which distinguishes the top 10% of all soldiers in the Army. I

The Army gave me confidence and made me responsible, It clearly reinforced my Families value system.

Other submissions without provided photos

Al Clary

Friend of Limestone
US Army; 2 years

I served from July 4, 1968 until April 15, 1970, and was stationed in Vietnam from 1969-70. I was in the 53rd Signal Corp.

Jeff Tipton

Stationed at Norfolk Naval Base and Little Creek Amphibious Warfare Base in Virginia, I served as an Operations Specialist and operated radar and navigation systems. I served on the USS Barnstable County LST-1197, the USS Exploit MSO-440, and the USS Clark FFG-11

Carey Stoneking

Chair of Chemistry Department at Limestone
US Army; 9 years

I spent a total of four years assigned overseas  in Germany. My last station was at the White Sands Missile Range, NM. I have also served in the Army Reserves an the Illionois National Guard.

Dennis Bassin

Instructor for Limestone's Extend Campus sites in Charleston, Kingstree, and Florence, SC
South Carolina State Guard

I am currently serving as a pilot in the Aviation Detachment of the South Carolina State Guard, our state's version of militia. While I am too old for even National Guard or Air National Guard, SCSG has no maximum age, especially for old pilots like me who can still pass a flight physical. We train primarily for disaster relief, knowing that another Hugo will pass over South Carolina some day.

Trained to Provide Needed Supplies
I can land a T-41A (a military Cessna 172) in only 1,000 feet of open space, cleared of hurricane debris. I expect to deliver emergency medical supplies within two hours of a hurricane passing through an area.

SCSG is entirely voluntary, and we could certainly use new members. For those who are interested, just go to SCSG.gov and click on "Highland Brigade." This Upstate group also trains for search and rescue, especially for small children lost in the forest.

Jeff Paschal '82

I completed my basic training at Fort Dix, New Jersey and my advanced individual training at Little Creek Naval Base in Norfolk, Virginia. I was then assigned to the 26th Army Band of New York City. (The closest I came to combat was driving in New York City traffic.) After completing my three years of military service, I used funds from the Veterans Educational Assistance Program to help pay for my Master of Divinity degree at Union Presbyterian Seminary.Tony Horne
Financial Aid Counselor at Limestone
U.S. Marine Corps; 5 years

Tim Conner '06

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Manager of Telecommunications at Limestone
US Air Force; 7 years

Randall Lawson

Director of Computer Services and Computer Science Preceptor at Limestone
US Army and SC Army National Guard veteran

Dr. Michael Scharrf

Assistant Professor Business/Management/Chair, Department of Business, Economics & International Studies at Limestone
US Army veteran