CLARKSVILLE, TN − The Kiwanis Club of Clarksville held its 25th annual Kiwanis Interview-a-Veteran Essay Contest Awards Luncheon on Tuesday, and they presented 25 students from 23 schools plaques and $100 cash awards for their often-inspiring work on the project. Grand winners received $200.
Clarksville-Montgomery County School System, Clarksville Academy and Fort Campbell Schools were represented in the awards.
The middle school grand winner was Ava Berry, 8th grade, Kenwood Middle. She interviewed Army Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Smith, who retired after 27 years. Her teacher is Naomi Polk and her parents are Jana and Robert Berry. She received a large plaque and cash.
The high school grand winner was JROTC Cadet Ericah Whitaker, 12th grade, West Creek High, who interviewed her JROTC instructor 1st Sgt., retired, Joshua Farmer. Ericah was presented her large plaque and $200 cash by essay committee Chairman Ron Smithfield.
Here are excerpts from their essays.
Middle school grand winner
What is CSM Smith’s response to the importance of serving our country?
By Ava Berry
Most of us have heard the saying, “A veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America” for an amount up to and including their life.” Serving in the military is a decision that should not be taken lightly. It is one of the most honorable things that one can do for their country, but it is also one that can come with great sacrifice. For my essay, I interviewed Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Clifford Smith. It was interesting to hear about his military journey and his views on the importance of serving our country.
Clifford Smith grew up in a poor area of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His family couldn’t afford to send him to college and jobs were very limited. He didn’t want to follow the bad choices most of his friends were making, and instead wanted to make a difference in the world. So shortly after graduating high school, he enlisted in the Army. He went on to serve over 27 years and retired as a Command Sergeant Major (E9) in August of 2023.
Mr. Smith did many jobs during his military service. His main job was a field artilleryman. He drove and operated the cannons. This job was very important during the war. Mr. Smith explained, “When other soldiers were in danger, they would radio to us and we would protect them with cannon fire. This was important as it helped the Army win many battles.” As a leader, Mr. Smith’s responsibility was to mentor and teach younger soldiers how to be great leaders. He emphasized that the younger generation of soldiers need to understand the importance of being a good leader and to put the needs of their people first, because they will be the leaders as the older generation of soldiers retire.
Mr. Smith had many experiences during his service in the Army. One particular experience that really helped him understand the importance of serving our country, was deploying to Iraq after the 9/11 attacks. He saw firsthand how the people of Iraq had poor living conditions and not much freedoms because of the way their government ruled. He realized just how great America was and how important our military is to protect our freedoms. The military helped the Iraqi citizens by giving them a better life, and also protected the United States from “external threats.” As Mr. Smith explained, “It was important to fight the war in another country to keep our citizens safe.”
In my last interview question, I asked Mr. Smith what advice he would give someone who is considering serving in the military about the importance of their decision. He replied, “It is a big decision to serve in the military. My advice to those who are interested in service is to commit to making the sacrifices that only a few are willing. For our country to continue to have the freedoms and liberties we all enjoy, a few must be brave enough to make those sacrifices. Strive to make a difference every day that you serve.”
To conclude, CSM (Ret.) Smith thinks it is important to serve our country. He feels that joining military service contributes to a cause greater than ourselves. He knows it’s a big decision that takes commitment, but that commitment “is a way that we can carry on a tradition of honoring those who have sacrificed before.”
High school grand winner
A Beacon of Strength: Lessons with First Sergeant Luckett
By Ericah Whitaker
Inspiration. It’s what drives us to do better, and in the absence of inspiration, we’re compelled to do worse. But what is it that truly inspires us? Relationships? Media? The transgressions of others? For me, it’s those who I create relationships with who truly inspire me most. It’s those unique stories and experiences that motivate me. During my freshman year of high school, I struggled to find balance, structure, and stability. In the midst of these challenges, I failed to realize that the relationships I had carelessly built were the ones that I would cherish forever. One of the most significant connections that I’ve made is with my JROTC instructor, First Sergeant Darrall Luckett, who initially sparked my inspiration, and continues to inspire me every day.
After conducting an interview with First Sergeant Darrall Luckett and gaining insight into his perspective, he shared several profound insights that not only highlighted his journey but also sparked a deeper understanding of my own aspirations and values. For example, I asked him “How would you describe the pivotal moment in your military career when everything “clicked” for you?” to which he responded by saying, “I could literally lose my life. … I may not ever be able to see my family again, but it takes that in order for us to be free in the United States.” At that moment, it became increasingly clear that those who serve our country are just like you and I – they have families, love interest, hobbies, and pet peeves, just like you and me. The only difference is that they take action, even in the face of fear, demonstrating the utmost courage to fight for a country and its people who may never truly know them or express their gratitude.
My journey into First Sergeant’s JROTC class was marked by a history of damage, abandonment, and self-destruction. For me, JROTC was a way to receive the structure that I needed, and it was in his capstone lessons that I found the guidance that would carry me through the tumultuous years of high school. Unlike others, First Sergeant Darrall Luckett didn’t need to know my past to believe in my potential; he recognized my worth and made me recognize my own value. His powerful words and borrowed quotes – “You have to want it as bad as you want to breathe” – became my mantra, pushing me to strive for a brighter future and proving that I am not a product of my circumstances but rather the architect of my own destiny.
In conclusion, the lessons that I’ve learned from First Sergeant go beyond military service; they apply to everyday life and my aspirations for the future. His journey, courage, and resilience, serves as a powerful reminder that inspiration often comes from those who lead by example. As I begin to write my own story, I carry with me the values he instilled in me and the commitment to serve our nation with the same integrity and selflessness that he exemplifies. My ambition to become a Special Forces Medical Sergeant is not just a personal goal; it is a pledge to honor the sacrifices of those who came before me and to make a positive impact on the world.