This Week at "The T" - 315

Before my senior year of high school I never once imagined myself in the military. I always thought that I would have a career in some kind of science or medical field. Until the day that a few recruiters from the different branches of service came to our little town in rural South Louisiana to administer the ASVAB test. I only took the test to get out of Creative Writing class, as I had no intention of joining the military. After that recruiters from several branches started to actively recruit me. I was impressed with the Air Force recruiter and decided to learn more about that branch. When I decided to enlist, my mother was very concerned as I was only 17, but she supported my decision. I left for basic training only 6 days after graduating high school.

Although I requested a position in the medical field, my first duty was as an Aerospace Food Technician (a cook) because there were no available slots in the medical corp. In addition to preparing meals for our troops, I was also responsible for field billeting and search and rescue. After 3 years, a position opened as a Medical Laboratory Specialist, which is where I remained for almost 5 years.

I was appointed as a Non-Commissioned Officer in the grade of Sergeant just shy of age 21 and at that time, was the youngest NCO appointed on my base in New Orleans. I eventually attained the rank of E-4, Staff Sergeant and commanded many men and women, some of whom became lifelong friends.

Even though military service was never on my radar growing up, it was one of the best decisions of my life!

Staff Sergeant Toni B. Franklin

I served in the US Army for 14 years. I joined the US Army straight out of High School in June, 2000, I was recruited to be a part of the US Army Swim Team, I swam for the US Army for 2 years. I did basic training at Fort Jackson, SC and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Eustis, VA. After AIT, I went to Ft. Benning for Airborne School and then reported to my first duty station at Wiesbaden Army Airfield where I was part of 3rd Coscom AMF(L) (Allied Mobile Forces (Land)) National Movement Team (NMT), while there, I participated in The Kosovo Force (KFOR) in 2000, perform NATO field exercises in Albania, Norway and Turkey. After 9/11, we were deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan. After Germany, I was stationed in Ft Hood, TX where I did 2 tours in Iraq. I was a member of the Bright Star Exercise Team in 2005 in Egypt. After returning from Egypt, I went to South Korea for a year where I was part of Garrison and participated in different field exercises and scenarios in the event North Korea ever decided to invade South Korea. We were also responsible for evacuations procedures and plans for all Americans and Families living in South Korea. I was a member of the USO and had the opportunity to escort the 2006 USA Basketball Team throughout Korea and Japan - https://www.stripes.com/sports/team-usa-salutes-servicemembers-1.53283. After Korea, I went back to Ft Hood, TX where I deployed to Iraq one last time before getting out of active duty and joining the US Army Reserves. I served in the Army Reserves for 6 years until I ended my contract in Nov 2014.

I served in the military throughout the 1990’s. While in the service, I was stationed in Colorado, South Korea, Japan, and New Mexico. My job in the service was a calibration specialist in the field of metrology.

Brian is a 7th graders and was selected by Ms. Janae Hindsman. When asked about Hills, Ms. Hindsman stated, “Brian is a kind, respectful, and motivated student who is eager to learn and committed to doing well. He actively participates, follows directions, and advocates for himself by asking questions when he does not understand. His dedication to his personal growth, along with his positive attitude and work ethic, makes him an excellent choice for student of the week!”

Laula is a 7th grader and was selected by Ms. Maria Morris. When asked about Laula, Ms. Morris stated, “Laula is a very sweet and helpful young lady. She is always willing to help our new students whenever I need someone to help me out. Laula is also a very bright student and I see her accomplishing anything that she sets her mind to in the future.”

Mackenzie is a 7th grader and was selected by Mr. Sean Leatherwood. When asked about Makenzie, Mr. Leatherwood stated, “Makenzie is having a great 7th grade year. Her academic performance and overall success this year is evidence that she is focused and determined to be the best Makenzie she can be. She is a role model at TMS and other students look up to her. She may not know that other students look to her as a role model but they do! 6th graders have told Mr. Leatherwood that they want to be like her. When asked why they want to be like her they say things like "she has such a pretty smile" or "she seems to be popular without being loud or uncool to people." Great job Makenzie!”

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