Silas Adams

Transcription

>>Silas When I was 18 years old I really didn't realize what I was getting myself into joining the Marine Corps, and when I hit those yellow footprint on Parris Island, it was a shock to the system. I spent 8 years in the Marines, and I've done 4 tours, 2 in Iraq and 2 in Afghanistan. I also protected President Bush in Kuwait City as well as Condoleezza Rice in Kuwait City in conjunction with the United States Secret Service. I've been to t22 countries and 79 cities around the world so, I had a good time nonetheless, but I guess it was my time to transition out. Right after I left the military I came to Temple. [music] >>Silas It's fairly difficult when you're going from Afghanistan or Iraq to a school setting or even a social setting. We actually have to transition mentally as well as physically. It's such a hard transition so a lot of times, we don't know how to cope with it. I'm the president of Temple Veterans Association at Temple's main campus. That familial tie when we're in the military is so strong and so profound and instilled in us that I want to take all veterans across many facets and many generations to come together and just be one whole cohesive unit. That is, that is my goal. I want everyone to be involved, let them know that they're not alone and let them know that we're here as well, and we're here to help them both professionally and academically, and socially reintegrate back into society. I'm a Fox business major, Finance and Risk Management. There are a lot of veterans in Fox. I see where they've gone after they've left the service, and me following in their footsteps gives me hope. It gives me an idea that I don't have to stop here I can go on and I can get a PhD and use my benefits and my veterans abilities and assets that I learned in the military to my advantage. The camaraderie not only in the city but also on campus is just huge, it's, it's... They're not just a handshake and a smile and a thank you. They actually reach down and try to associate with the veteran demographic. [music] >>Silas Temple University's founding father, Russell Conwell, was actually a veteran and he founded the university on the "Acres of Diamonds" speech and it really hit home with me when I read this speech and I'm following in the footprints of another veteran. It feels as though I'm where I'm supposed to be. [music fades up and out]