By Dr. Boshra EL-Guindy
Special to GUIDON

D on’t we all think that our former service men and women could be better role models to our youth at schools than celebrities?  

Former military personnel are an example for all of us. Our society would be better served if role models such as these courageous people were able to visit our schools and meet our youngsters and act as leadership role models.

Their levels of commitment, honor and bravery should become the benchmarks to be followed rather than the self-serving attitude so prevalent in pop stars, celebrities and even the football players that our teenagers often admire.

There is a huge opportunity for those people who have served the country in uniform to extend their service in the classroom in our schools. They have many of the virtues that parents across the country feel have disappeared from our schools and need to be restored: self-discipline, a sense of purpose and a belief in the importance of working as a team.

Former military personnel could act as inspiring role models for the younger generation. They could help instill in youth — especially those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds; discipline, self-respect, and a sense of purpose. This could, in turn, have a positive and a lasting effect on our youngsters’ lives. 

The men and women who have served in the American military have a great deal to offer their local communities. Former service members can make a real difference to young peoples’ lives. At the core of our military are the values central to a successful society such as loyalty, self-discipline and motivation. There is no doubt that the youth of our nation could thrive under the mentorship of these courageous individuals.

This could also benefit our former service members in many ways because these men and women could walk away with a sense of achievement and reward from the positive change of their young students and what they have accomplished and achieved through their own hard work under the former Soldier’s mentorship.

If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with our local Waynesville schools, call 433.2030, or visit waynesville.k12. mo.us/ under the “STAFF” tab and choose the “volunteer” link.

(EL-Guindy is the Culture and Foreign Language Advisor at the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence.)