Alumni Spotlight: SJC Alumni Reflect on Veterans Day and Military Careers

On this Veterans Day the nation commemorates those who have served and who can share their story. St. John's has a storied association with the military since their Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) program began in 1915. There are over 1500 graduates who have served in the Armed Forces from St. John's. The Sabre interviewed decorated veterans and alums of St. John's, Vice Admiral Manson Brown '74 and U.S. Army Field Artillery Colonel Alvin Perkins '75 to commemorate Veterans Day and tell their stories.

Vice Admiral Manson Brown '74

Manson Brown served in the United States Coast Guard for 40 years. He joined the branch through a recruiter who came to to his house and personally sought him out. Brown said he was inspired to join because of his interest in marine sciences, such as environmental protection from when he was younger. Through Brown's career in the Coast Guard, he said one of his proudest accomplishments was leading his first search-and-rescue operation to rescue distressed sailors trapped off the coast of Florida.

When Brown was at St. John's he was a part of the JROTC, which he credits with helping him develop character and learn military protocol. When it was time to apply for colleges, Brown said St. John's planted the seed for him to want to join a branch of the military.

After graduating high school, Brown attended the Coast Guard Academy, completing the four-year training process to begin active duty. Since he left right out of high school and was in the branch for 40-years; Brown said he was able to reconnect with his classmates through the class reunions. Today, Brown remains engaged with the St. John's community through his work in the Cadet Corps where he visits the school and meets with students who may have questions about joining the service, and gives advice on how they should plan their journey outside of St. John's.

Brown said, "Veterans Day is a tribute to the men and women who have served but also the families of the vets who are willing to put their lives on the line. Its about those who are selflessly serving the country." He said that students should try to see if there are any veterans in their family to make the day feel more tangible or just find a way to thank someone who they know is a veteran

Brown also had advice for current students in the Cadet Corps wanting to encourage them to stay positive and optimistic about their long-term successes. "Your attitude determines your altitude," Brown said.

Colonel Alvin Perkins '75

Colonel Alvin Perkins ‘75 served in the US Army for 25 years. As a member of the combat arms branch, he trained young soldiers and supported artillery operations for other military branches. He was stationed all over the world. One of Colonel Perkins’ proudest accomplishments was his mission in Korea where he commanded a battalion to lead against the North Korean Army from 1997-1999.

Perkins also participated in the JROTC program at SJC. Perkins said being in the JROTC program prepared him for his time in the Army through the building of character and disciplinary skills and learning how to pay more attention to detail. After high school, he attended The Citadel on a football scholarship where they were also required to partake in ROTC programs which led to him signing up to join the Army after college. After his service in the Army, Perkins still maintains good connections and involvement at St. John's as he is a part of the Board of Trustees, chair of the planning committee for alumni events, and still very involved in SJC's sports programs.

Colonel Perkins explained how many people confuse the meanings between the two military holidays, Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Memorial Day, he explained, is a day to remember those who have fallen during battle or while protecting our country; while Veterans Day is a day to acknowledge and appreciate those who are retired from their service, and who can still share their stories to inspire others. He explained that it is very important for people to remember to thank those that they know for their service on Veterans Day.

Perkins also had advice for students in the Cadet Corps telling them to take all they have learned and apply it to their daily lives as well as their future.