Compiled by Josh Smith, Contributing Writer
Travis Howe is a student veteran, double majoring in math and chemistry. He’s a senior and will graduate in the spring.
Q: What branch of the military did you serve in? Why did you choose that branch? What did it mean to you to serve your country?
A: I’m currently serving in the WV Army National Guard. I enlisted in the fall of my third year, and it was the best decision of my life. The Guard allows me to continue my education while also serving my country which is a great honor for me. The proudest moment of my life was when I earned the privilege of wearing my uniform. I never get tired of putting it on.
Q: Why did you choose WLU to further your education?
A: I originally had no intentions of going to college or joining the military after high school. I was actually on track to pursue a career in welding until I met an elderly gentleman, Mr. Charles Davis, in the Adult Welding Class one Tuesday night. After a conversation, I found out he was a former professor at WLU, and with a little convincing, he talked me into coming up for a visit of the campus. I fell in love with the college, its location, the set up; I loved everything about WLU. The following week I signed up to take the ACT and SAT, completed my FAFSA, and applied for WLU. Everything from there just fell into place for me, and now here I am.
Q: What do you plan to do following graduation? What are your plans for your future?
A: After I graduate, I plan on first furthering my military career. Since I’ll have my degrees, I will be able to apply for Officer School and then flight school, which is what I originally wanted to do with the Military. I want to be a Blackhawk Pilot. Once I finish all of my training and return home, I plan on finding a civilian job where I can use my Math and Chem degrees, so I can build both a civilian and military retirement at the same time. Also, once I return home, I will have enough time in service to qualify for my VA home loan and finally get a place of my own. I think that’s what I’m most excited about in the near future: my own place to call home.
