Boots to Books
“In war, there are no unwounded soldiers.” -Jose Narosky
Look around. They’re everywhere. On buildings. Classrooms. And clocks. On scoreboards. The football field. On uniforms. We are all bound by numbers. But the numbers we’re talking about are difficult to see and much more staggering.
We’re talking about the sheer number of our military veterans. The soldiers, airman, sailors and Marines who make sacrifices for Country. Friends. Family. Sacrifices of honor and duty. But too many of these brave men and women return home wounded. Some with devastating injuries that change lives or alter plans. These wounds – some are visible. But others can’t always be seen.
Our veterans are bound by honor. Back from the battlefield, wounded veterans often return to uncertain futures. In fact, one in five soldiers returns from battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (For a story about how Georgia Southern researchers are studying new therapies for PTSD.) Your gift ensures that our own wounded Georgia Southern students, who risked their lives for our freedom, will have the opportunity to receive a stipend to offset the costs that the G.I. Bill does not cover.
“I was born in Statesboro so I know Georgia Southern University is sensitive to the unique challenges our veterans face when they put down their weapons and pick up books,” says Major General Bill Bland. “The Wounded Eagle Fund strives to ease their transition from soldier to student.”
The Fund helps ensure the successful adjustment of these national heroes and their future happiness and productivity – veterans like Marine Corps Staff Sergeant and business major John Kitchens. “Georgia Southern is a great university,” says Kitchens. “I’ve put my future in its hands… a future made possible, in part, to the generous donors of the Wounded Eagle Fund.”
Indeed, the numbers of wounded veterans are at times overwhelming. But you can help. They’re here in numbers but that doesn’t mean they have to be one. To Georgia Southern University and the Wounded Eagle Fund, our veterans are not just a number. They are family. They are part of the Eagle Nation.
Georgia Southern magazine caught up with Sgt. Kitchens during a Wounded Eagle video shoot in July. The following is just a small part of what he was able to share about his inspiring story.
Full Name: John Lawton Kitchens
Year of enlistment: 2002
Year of discharge: 2012
Rank at enlistment: Private (E-1)
Rank at discharge (if different): Staff Sergeant (E-6)
Battalion: I served in a few different units during my service:
- 2nd Battalion 6th Marines
- Weapons & Field Training Battalion, Parris Island
- 3rd Battalion 6th Marines
On joining the Marine Corps: I joined the Marine Corps not only to serve my country proudly, but I also enlisted because I was inspired by my late grandfather. He served as an Army infantryman during World War II. Growing up I always imagined doing the same thing at some point in my life. As I became older I still wanted to become an infantryman, but leaned more toward being a Marine. It looked even more challenging and I knew I could do it.
Specific job title/duties: Infantry Unit Leader, Platoon Sergeant
Deployment areas/dates:
- 2003 – Operation Iraqi Freedom I. (Push to Baghdad, Iraq)
- 2003-2004 – Okinawa, Japan (also Mainland Japan & Philippines)
- 2004 – Operation Enduring Freedom. Kabul, Afghanistan
- 2005-2006 – Fallujah, Iraq
Awards/Honors:
Purple Heart Medal
Presidential Certificate of Appreciation
USMC Good Conduct Medal (x 3)
USMC Certificate of Commendation (x 2)
USMC Meritorious Mast (x 3)
USMC Certificate of Appreciation
USMC Expert Rifle Badge
USMC Sharpshooter Pistol Badge
Injuries sustained: I was wounded from an enemy hand grenade while conducting counter-insurgency operations in Fallujah, Iraq. I served as long as physically possible before eventually being Medically Retired. I was diagnosed with both a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) as well as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Major Field of study here at Georgia Southern: Business
Future goals/aspirations: When I was 18, I knew my service to the Marines was my first calling in life. I’m chasing that next calling at the moment, and I hope to inspire and influence everyone around me in the process.
Greatest accomplishment: My family. My number one priority and encouragement in my life comes from my wife and two children. I don’t know where I would be or even who I would be without them.
Thoughts about Georgia Southern and being an Eagle: I was born in Statesboro, Georgia. As a kid I always looked onto this University with a feeling of awe and I imagined going here when I got older. I’m thankful to be home with my family and also that God has given me the opportunity to further my education.
Your personal hero: My mom. She is a wonderful and caring woman who has shown me time and time again that no matter how tough life can get that I should always stand my ground.
How the Wounded Eagle Fund has helped you: Aside from financially, this scholarship gives me peace of mind knowing that the University is actively supporting our veterans.
On giving to the Wounded Eagle Fund: Veterans returning home need support. The GI Bill alone is not always enough, and for many of those who put their lives on the line as well as sacrificing their youth, coming home to a new way of life can be difficult. The funds that are given will directly impact those veterans and help them continue to chase a new dream.
To do your part to support the Wounded Eagle Fund, visit GeorgiaSouthern.edu/woundedeagle