By Kirk Laughlin
With more than 2.5 million active and reserve soldiers on the volatile frontlines in Afghanistan and Iraq, the realities of war are ever-present for United States Armed Service members across the nation.
For the University of Louisville’s estimated 600 active, reserve and veteran student soldiers, this reality makes the college experience a more rewarding one.
It is not unusual to see U of L’s student soldiers around campus. They can also be seen early in the morning in the Crawford Gym, marching in their camouflaged fatigues and tan boots and preparing for that day’s physical therapy in the Reserve Officer Training Corp.
U of L’s program consists of 81 students in the Army ROTC and 60 students in the Air Force ROTC, according to Lt. Col. Jamie Gough, the commander of U of L’s Army ROTC program.
“There is an intense focus on leadership that greatly enhances the undergraduate experience at U of L,” said Gough.
Gough, who served in Iraq, said that the Army is “incredibly stressful. But it is during these times of stress that one learns the most about their environment and about themselves. It develops you as a leader and as a student.”
“It is quite a commitment,” said senior Sergeant Marc Simon. “It is a challenge to be a student and soldier. It requires balance, but gives you incredible experiences and lessons in principles and ethics.”
Simon, while in Iraq, served in the last Mobile Army Surgical Hospital unit in the U.S. Military. He is now a biology major with hopes of going on to medical school. Regarding his experiences in MASH, he said, “It was pretty much exactly like the television show, but we are ready to act at a moment’s notice.”
Cadet Arto Aaron of the Army ROTC said, “It is difficult coming back from Iraq and trying to adjust to the civilian world.”
Aaron, a liberal studies major, served as a bodyguard in Iraq for a high-ranking military official that was responsible for the enemy internment prisons in Iraq.
“Every day we had to watch out for IED’s [Improvised Explosive Devices] and small arms fire. Returning to a nation where the primary worries are traffic and schoolwork is both relieving and unusual.”
Private Tyler Keithley of the U.S. Marine Corp said the military made him a better student when he entered U of L. “The training and discipline in the military goes hand in hand with real world experience.”
Sophomore Keithley’s platoon is currently stationed in Iraq.
“There is a deal of stress associated with them being in harm’s way,” Keithley said.
“Every day, I hope for the best and prepare for the worst, but that’s the life of a Marine.”
U of L will celebrate Veteran’s Day Mon., Nov. 12 to honor active and veteran soldiers.
