It takes someone selfless and brave to serve in the military. Staff Master Sergeant James Core, an AFJROTC at Cypress Ridge, exemplifies these qualities and so many more. During his time in the Air-Force he conducted a number of tasks. From managing a multi-million dollar budget to being responsible for all areas affecting Air Force personnel world-wide. A tall stoic man, he walks through life leaving a little of his light everywhere he goes.

“I knew that for one; I wanted to go to college and the Air Force had a great college program and that’s what I did,” Core said. “I wanted to serve my country, but I also wanted to be able to go to college and get my degree and also do that for free.”

Sergeant Core was the first in his family to go to the military. While his family was not very supportive of his decision to enlist, he knew it was something he wanted to do to become a man. Thankfully, he had mentors along the way who assisted him in his decision.

“When I was in high school, the job I worked part-time, there was a guy who retired from the Air-Force, and so he kind of told me what it was all about,” Core said. “It’s just like a regular job, the only thing is that you wear a uniform, and you go in at 7:30, you get out at 4:30, 5:00; you get a chance to learn about leadership and organization, and you learn how to be disciplined and that’s what I did.

Sergeant Core’s childhood was not filled with much inspiration to serve but some experiences unknowingly shaped him.

“Well actually I was a Boy Scout.” Core said. “Really the Boy Scouts is like a small taste of what military life is about. To me those actually became very similar. I didn’t think about it until later in life.”

While teaching was not what Core always wanted to do, many activities he was involved in put him on a perfect path for teaching

“I used to have a mentoring program at my church for boys 7-17, and basically, I did it every Monday,” Core said. “Cool thing about it is you get paid for it. It’s the same thing I was doing for free. You get a chance to educate, help, and encourage young people to be better adults as they get older.”

Sergeant Core is a graceful addition to the teaching world. His co-workers see him as a bright light and a blessing to have around. Karen Means, the department chair for CTE, works with Sergeant Core in the careers department and describes him as a wonderful person.

“Sergeant Core is definitely a stand up guy, definitely kind, personable, friendly to all staff and students,” Means said. “He always volunteers to help out where needed.”

Military service and teaching are two different worlds, but there are still ways Sergeant Core finds to tie them together.

“In the military, once you get into senior management you’re working with younger individuals 18,19, 20 years old helping them get to the next level the same way somebody helped you get to the next level.” Core said. “You become a mentor to young men and young women to help them become better not only in life but in the military as well.”

Throughout his career Sergeant Core has gained several accolades, including AFJROTC Instructor of the Year Worldwide for 2019, Cypress Ridge Teacher of the Year for 2019, three Meritorious Service Medals, 6 Air Force Commendation Awards, and two Achievement Medals. But above all the real accomplishment has been seeing the fruits of his labor personified

“I don’t come to work for awards, you come to work to take care of young people so they can better,” Core said. “Just so happened the award came with it, and I was pleased and grateful to get it.”

Sergeant Core’s thoughts on whether he would change anything about his time in service are solid, as evident by the huge smile on his face when speaking about his time there.

“No, actually I would do it all over again,” Core said. Actually, I encourage young people if you’re not certain about what you want to do. It’s a great educational opportunity and it’s a great way of life if you do happen to stay in. Even if you stay in for four years and get out, at least you have experience of how to be organized, be on time, and be a leader, but if you do stay in until 20 years, it’s a great benefit. You get paid for the rest of your life.”