This coming Saturday, November 11th, is Veterans’ Day, a national holiday that started in 1938 to celebrate the nation’s veterans. For this Veteran’s Day, I asked Russ Jones, a teacher at James Monroe Middle School who served in the Navy, about his experience in the armed forces.
Elena Benavides: When did you join the Navy?
Russ Jones: January 21, 1991.
What made you decide to join the military?
I needed a job and was flunking out of college.
Why the navy specifically?
I did it to spite the Air Force recruiter who made me mad.
What did you like (or not like) about it?
I loved being a firefighter. I loved being part of a team and preparing to save lives.
Why did you decide to become a teacher after the Navy?
I wanted to coach football and have a lot of time off. Turns out, I really enjoy teaching!
If at all, how does being a veteran affect your teaching?
Being a veteran who served my entire time overseas gives me a world view that many people don’t get to enjoy.
Would you recommend joining the Navy to your students?
I have and I DO recommend it to my students. I tell them that if they want to make it a career with a family to join the Air Force but if they want to serve a shorter time but have the ability to see the world, the Navy is the way to go.
