Serving in Iraq, Martin thankful for MSU education
Take advantage of every opportunity and enjoy life to the fullest is the philosophy of many. For those who serve in the military forces, whether stateside or overseas, each day is a new experience.
Army 1st Lt. Shannon Martin is currently serving as a medical officer in Iraq. She is thankful for her education and the opportunities she has been afforded.
“I have learned a lot in the 12-months I have spent in Iraq with my unit, Charley Company, 82nd Brigade Support Battalion, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division,” she said.
“My most memorable mission would be the Iraqi Schools’ Mission where we were attached to infantryman in assisting the Iraqi Army in handing out school supplies, books and dolls at three separate Iraqi schools. Getting to mingle with the children of the schools, and walk to a local village was a very rewarding opportunity.”
Martin is a 2007 graduate of Morehead State University where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in health promotions and a minor in military science.
“Morehead State University set me up for success both for my career in the Army and my future career in the civilian work force. My four years in the University’s ROTC Program were full of memories and people I will never forget.”
A Louisville native, Martin was the highest ranking cadet in MSU’s ROTC history and was top in her class for four years. She received a ranking of third out of 3,806 cadets from 272 universities across the nation, excluding West Point.
She was among 55 ROTC cadets and midshipmen commissioned by former President George Bush in the White House in May 2007. The program was part of National Military Appreciation Month.
On the campus, Martin received numerous awards for her accomplishments. During her senior year alone, she was presented the American Legion Award for Scholastic Excellence, the George C. Marshall Award, and the Department of the Army Superior Cadet Decoration, Cadet Battalion Commander Award, Dean’s List Award and the Silver Athletic Award. She also was active in Raider Company, the ROTC fraternity, and was president of Scabbard and Blade, a national military honors society, which she reestablished on campus.
Posted: 10-27-09
