Name:ETC (SW) Robert Tackett USN Ret.
Graduation Year: 1993
High School: Bellevue East
In what branch(es) of the military did you serve? Navy
Military Years of Service: 21
War Service: GWOT Iraq and Afghanistan

How did your experiences as a student prepare you for your military career?
The AFJROTC program at Bellevue East prepared me greatly for my Naval Service along with the surrounding community. The challenges presented to me during my time as a student definitely taught me how to asses a problem, develop a solution, and never stop until the problem was resolved. The most helpful trait I learned was discipline. Actually holding myself accountable and doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. My Naval Service helped me hone my self-discipline but my experiences as a Chieftain gave me the right mindset and perspective to develop "who" I actually was and became.

What advice would you give current students and/or fellow alumni who are considering a career in the military?
1. Never believe anyone who tells you that College is so much harder than High School. This scared me from even trying to go and it had to finish my Degree 10 years later which was actually harder.
2. Learn how to manage your time. Schedule yourself time to study, time to work-out, and time for fun. You will be amazed how much you can accomplish is you just plan it and have the discipline to stick to the plan.
3. Get into running. Start with a mile, then work up to 2, then 3 over time. EVERY branch of Service make you run for your physical tests every 6 months. Just get into the habit now and make it part of your daily life.
4. Swallow your pride and ask for help and if you notice someone lese struggling, help them.
5. Learn when to speak up and when to be quiet and listen. Each situation is unique but the faster you learn when to employ these tactics, your military life will get so much easier.
6. Take a Personal Finance class. Again, swallow your pride and DO this!
7. Do your best to soak up and learn about the other cultures and places you will visit. Having these experiences will give you an edge later in life.
8. When you feel overwhelmed, realize that all you can do is your best. If for some reason, that isn't working, ask for help. If no help is coming, go back to doing your best and be open to changing how YOU do something and listen to folks who have gone through what YOU are now going through and you just might learn something that will make the overwhelming task, just a bit easier.
9. Failure is the best Teacher. You will fail...often in the beginning. It's OK. Stomp down your ego and figure out what you need to change about yourself to turn the failure into a success.
10. Come Home! You will be needed back home when you are done.

Any other words of wisdom or stories you'd like to share?
Do as much as you can, Learn as much as you can, and come home.