Leavelle McCampbell celebrates vets

The military provided a great career, and he would recommended it to anyone, said Army MSgt. (ret.) Michael Ervin at Leavelle McCampbell Middle School's Veterans Day observance Monday.

But even if students decided to go in another direction, "My main purpose for the youth is to ensure that you succeed in life," Ervin said in a speech to the students. "You are in the beginning stages of life, but what you do today will affect you the rest of your life. Get involved in your own life."

The ceremony got under way with a presentation of the colors by Midland Valley High School NJROTC color guard. Leavelle McCampbell students who participated in the program included Molly Gordon, Sage Simpson, AJ Richard, Mathew Clune and Jasmine Johnson.

Sage provided a history of Veterans Day, while AJ gave an appreciation of veterans. Mathew drew applause for his trumpet solo of "Taps." Music was furnished by the LMMS band and chorus members.

A resident of Graniteville for the past three years, Ervin's military service took him all over the world, including two tours in Iraq. He was presented with a gift from the school by his son Isaiah, a Leavelle McCampbell student. In turn, Ervin presented gifts to principal Dr. Lloydette Young and to several teachers.

When he was around the students' age, Ervin said, he wished he had realized then that he could do anything he wanted with his life. He acknowledged some anger management issues and eventually determined that he would have to get away from the environment he had grown up in.

"The Army accepted me with all my baggage," Ervin said. "I found out I was a pretty good soldier and was full of love and compassion."

He urged the students to find a dream if they don't already have one. After a long military career, Ervin is heading back to college. The students should consider where they want to be in 10 years, but it shouldn't be about a new car or bling, "because those things are going to pass away," Ervin said. "You have to reach outside and get an education. You may have to fall back on that education. It's definitely an investment for the future."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.