Military Insider: Graduates 2022

Jon-Eric Holt
U.S. Army Purple Heart Veteran
Master of Science in National Security: Homeland Security

Be the difference!

Since I joined the military in 2003, my life has been filled with many trials and tribulations. Each has tested me and brought me closer to God. In 2007 I was wounded in Baghdad, Iraq and the result would forever change my life. Learning to stand, walk, and run all without assistance was an endeavor I want no one to experience. However, the lessons that I learned built me into what I am today. The desire to serve was still there even after a two-year long rehabilitation process. In 2014 I joined my local law enforcement agency and again started to service my community, a calling which fills us all at some point. Again, God challenged my path but this time to see what could be done if I had faith and worked to protect his flock. Since 2016 I have saved 5 people, 2 of which were rescued from a burning building, and another resulted in me picking up a vehicle off of a lady. God guides us all to serve and spread his scripture. It does not simply stop when we take off the uniform, it is just the beginning of our journey.

Jonathan Belcher
Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve
Bachelor of Science in Religion: Evangelism

We are accustomed to the idea of finishing the mission within the military context, but college is yet another mission in life.  Do not quit on yourself or your future.  See this mission through to completion! 

I spent two years in pursuit of a religion degree before joining the Army Reserve as a chaplain assistant and taking a several year break from college. When my mentor passed away in 2020, I was reminded of how passionate he was about education. With the help of military tuition assistance and credits earned from military schools, I went back to school to finish my degree.  My wife decided to start her college journey with me, earning her degree in creative writing.  The majority of our classes with Liberty were taken while I was on active-duty orders with a medical unit in response to COVID-19. When we both walk at graduation in May of 2022, my wife will be 23 weeks pregnant with our first child!

Sondra Scott
Retired U.S. Navy E6
Bachelor of Science in Psychology: Christian Counseling

You are worth the journey, but first commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established (English Standard Version, 2016, Proverbs 16:3).

In 2009, I was given the news that my mind was not prepared to handle: “Petty Officer Scott: Per the medical board’s recommendations, you will be getting discharged.” This moment changed the trajectory of “my plans” concerning my future in the U.S. Navy. At the moment, it felt like the worst day of my life. Not only was I in physical pain in my body, all of “my set plans” were no longer valid. However, the thoughts and plans of the Lord far exceed what we can ask or think.  My road to physical recovery led me to a life of full submission to the will of the Lord. Today, thirteen years later, I can stand and declare: “I am that I am, but for the grace of God.”

Lydia Whitney
Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force
Bachelor of Science in Aviation

Luke 1:37 “For nothing is impossible with God.”

In my late teenage years, I developed a huge passion for aviation. One of my first pursuits after graduating high school was earning my private pilot license. Having a deep desire to pursue aviation farther, God led me to enlist in the Air Force as and F-16 Avionics Technician in 2017 with the distant dream of becoming an Air Force pilot. It took a couple years to find a rhythm in the military lifestyle. Then, once again, the Lord surprised me by guiding me to enroll with LUO in 2020. For many that was a tough year, but for me it was one of the best years of my life. I grew so much spiritually and as a leader through my online classes, flight training, and military career. That was also the year I married Reid, the man who helps me get through it all! My LUO degree enabled me to apply to become an Officer. We found out early this year that I have been selected to commission as an Air Force pilot. Next stop, Officer Training School and pilot training! All glory to God!

Erin Stevens
Navy Spouse
Master of Arts in Executive Leadership

Take your time. Do not rush into a degree and burn-out before you complete it.  Keep up a steady and manageable pace. I took one class a semester.

My active-duty husband wanted to begin his masters. I was a bit annoyed as it felt like he had been in school or training our entire relationship/marriage. So, I decided to do it with him. It was a stressful and exhausting two years, but we sat at our desks six nights a week and completed work together, yet separately (he was attending a different university and in a different program). We were able to encourage each other and work hard together to achieve our individual goals.  I would have never gotten a masters if it weren’t for him. I’m excited to use my leadership experience, and now degree, to serve an organization soon! Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to better myself and be challenged as I completed each course in my degree.  Blessings!

Latoya Cooper
CW2 in the U.S. Army
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction

Perseverance is key… just believe in yourself, and always remember to extend yourself a little grace. Your educational journey should be a marathon not a sprint.

My journey at Liberty University has been both humbling and rewarding. Pursing an education, at any level, comes with unique challenges and sacrifices, but my faith, family, and friends kept me grounded and focused. As a first-generation college student, words cannot express how proud I am to have carved a path for future generations. Liberty did that… Liberty helped me break barriers and I am grateful for all the faculty and staff that pushed me along the way to see my dream to the end.