Today@Sam Article

Salute To Service: Brent Baldwin

Nov. 10, 2021
SHSU Media Contact: Hannah Crandall

This November, as Sam Houston State University observes Veterans Day, meet the campus vets that have exemplified the motto, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” in our Salute to Service Series.

Brent Baldwin

Baldwin is a pre-nursing major and a United States Navy veteran. He served as a Navigation Electronics Technician (ETV) working on submarines. It was his responsibility to design and prep navigational plans, as well as operate while underway to ensure ship safety. During his three years of service, he was stationed in Groton, CT, Pearl Harbor, HI, and Kittery, ME.

 Why did you choose to join the military?

BB: I chose to join the military to be able to accomplish something I could be proud of and to serve my country.

What was your reason for continuing your education and choosing SHSU?

BB: After completion of my time in the Navy, I started working in corrections at the county jail. I later attended the Angelina College Police Academy, where I graduated as the valedictorian. After working as a law enforcement officer, I decided to attend SHSU for nursing to be able to help people in a different way and be close to home.

Where do you currently work, or do you have other activities keeping you busy outside of school?

BB: I currently work at the Veteran Resource Center (VRC) on SHSU’s campus as a program specialist.

Are you involved in any other SHSU organizations or groups?

BB: I am currently the secretary of the Collegiate Veteran Association (CVA).

How has your service history impacted your academic life?

BB: It has taken some time to adjust and get used to going to school again.

How easy/difficult was your transition from the military into an academic setting?

BB: The transition from the military to starting school was difficult at first. After getting help from other veterans and the VRC, the transition was made easier.

How has SHSU aided in your transition?

BB: Being able to work at the VRC around other veterans and military-affiliated individuals has been a blessing. It’s hard to find people that you can relate to after getting out of the military.

What are your future goals or dreams?

BB: My future goal is to get accepted into SHSU’s nursing program, graduate and eventually become a travel nurse to help people all over the United States, as well as different countries.

Is there anything you would like to say or add about your time serving?

BB: Being in the military was an amazing experience. I had some of the best and worst times of my life, but I made lifelong friends while doing so.

What does, “The measure of a Life is its Service,” mean to you?

BB: We are born into this world to do great things. Each and every individual has the opportunity to impact another or help change this world for the better, for the next generation. Looking back after we have left this world, people will talk about the things we have accomplished from the biggest to the smallest.

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