Veterans Day reminds KU ROTC and senior math major Liam Obray why they chose a military career

Honor. Legacy. Sacrifice. Freedom. Those are the words University of Kansas ROTC students use when reflecting on Veterans Day. They also talk of their desire to carry on the tradition of serving and defending the country, and their appreciation for those who came before them.

High school and college ROTC programs were the pathway to service and education for many of the men and women the nation honors on Veterans Day. And each year, approximately 250 KU students join their ranks. Walking across the Lawrence campus in their camouflage utilities or dress uniforms, they proudly stand out among the T-shirts, shorts and leggings of their classmates. They are typical college students, but also not typical college students.

ROTC students say they find a supportive home here. KU is one of only about 50 schools in the country to have all military branches represented in the ROTC program — one reason the university is recognized nationally as a top school for military-affiliated students. In April, KU received top 10 rankings among Tier 1 research institutions in the annual “Military Friendly Schools” survey, the longest-running review of college and university investments in serving military-affiliated students, including ROTC, active military and veterans.

The reasons ROTC students choose a military career vary: to follow in the footsteps of family members, because the financial support makes education attainable, for training and career opportunities, a desire to serve others and more.

As the nation honors military veterans this week, the profiles below shine the spotlight on Jayhawks who have chosen to become the next generation of military leaders.

Learn about Veterans Day activities happening at the KU Lawrence campus and at the KU Medical Center campus.

Nate Lundgren
Army | Senior | Mechanical Engineering

For some ROTC students, following in the footsteps of family members is their motivation for joining the military. But even parents who didn’t serve can inspire service. Nate Lundgren credits his parents for inspiring his military journey by teaching him the value of hard work, integrity and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.

“Even though they didn’t serve, the lessons my parents passed on about responsibility and perseverance are a big part of why I chose to serve and lead through the Army ROTC program,” Lundgren said. “Their example motivates me to push myself and to take on challenges that help me grow.”

The desire to challenge himself and be around highly motivated people led him to the Army ROTC program with the goal of earning a spot on a Combat Dive Team.

Lundgren said Veterans Day is important because it reminds him of the legacy he’s stepping into. But it isn’t just about remembering the past, Lundgren said, it’s about recognizing the responsibility to carry that legacy forward and continue serving with pride and respect.

“Their service represents the highest level of commitment and sacrifice, and it inspires me to approach my own service with that same sense of purpose,” Lundgren said.

Andrew Metler
Marines | Senior | Business Administration

Andrew Metler is not a typical undergrad student — and he isn’t a typical ROTC cadet. He is married, has four kids and has served as an infantry Marine for more than eight years. Serving side-by-side with other Marines led to his desire to have a greater impact as a commissioned officer.

“Officers are able to directly affect the tempo and morale of a unit,” Metler said. “I want to spend the last half of my career training, caring for and serving other Marines.”

Metler wanted to be a Marine from the time he was in fifth grade. In fact, military service is practically the family business. His father served in the Air Force for over 22 years, and two of Metler’s brothers are currently in the Air Force. His oldest brother served four years in the Army.

Veterans Day reminds Metler that today’s military is built on the commitment, innovation and sacrifice of previous generations of soldiers, and he feels an obligation to uphold that legacy.

“It is my duty to preserve everything that has been passed down. Someday I will soon join the generation of service members who this day is about, and I’ll be damned if I don’t put in maximum effort up until the day I take off my uniform for the last time,” Metler said.

Liam Obray
Air Force | Senior | Mathematics

Liam Obray always wanted to serve and can’t imagine his life if he wasn’t serving in the military in some capacity. His plan to enlist changed in high school when he applied for and was offered both Army ROTC and Air Force ROTC scholarships. He chose the Air Force because of his love for aviation. Through a highly competitive process, Obray was selected as a pilot candidate.

“I want to fly something fast and close to the tip of the spear,” Obray said.

Veterans Day for Obray is a family affair. He has two uncles who served, one as part of Operation Desert Storm. His father — a 20-year Air Force veteran — was a missileer on 9/11. And, Obray’s brother is currently an Air Defense Artillery officer in the Army.

“Growing up surrounded by military life and culture has influenced me in a lot of ways,” he said. “I'm grateful for all of them. Their service has most definitely inspired me.”

Obray has been actively involved in past Veterans Day activities at the university, including flying a drone for a parade, participating in color guards and going to galas that honor veterans and their families.

“It's a time of the year I love, because it's another reminder to me of the sacrifices made by veterans and their families, and it's an opportunity to give back,” he said.

Allison Scobee
Army | Senior | Molecular, Cellular, & Developmental Biology with Psychology minor

Watching her father put on combat boots and board a flight to Afghanistan left an indelible impression on Allison Scobee.

“My dad's service was my original inspiration to serve,” Scobee said. “I've always wanted to be exactly like him.”

She enlisted in the Army while still in high school, and an ROTC scholarship helped make college attainable and opened a career path as an officer.

While her father is a strong role model for Scobee, she also is inspired by women veterans who blazed the trail for this generation of women service members. She said she is honored to remember them and their sacrifices on Veterans Day.

“They worked so hard to earn a place at the table, to prove that they were worthy of serving their country. I am so thankful to have that place already established for me,” Scobee said.

With the goal of becoming an orthopedic physician assistant, Scobee said her attitude toward serving her country has been influenced by the humanitarian missions the U.S. Army has spearheaded.

“As a medical provider, I want to show my country and the people of the world what America has to offer and really, truly help people and have a positive impact,” she said.

Jorah Reynolds
Air Force | Junior | Aerospace Engineering and Pre-Medicine

During World War II, Jorah Reynolds’ great-grandfather flew reconnaissance aircraft for the U.S. Army Air Corps — the precursor to today’s Air Force. While that family connection helped lead Reynolds to the Air Force, the branch’s core values of integrity, service and excellence also strongly resonate with her.

“I joined AFROTC coming into college, fell in love with the program and haven’t looked back,” Reynolds said. “The lessons I have learned about leading and pushing oneself for the humble sacrifice have been invaluable, and I am positive they will be lessons that will continue with me throughout my career and beyond.”

Reynolds said her own service is about carrying on the legacy of putting the mission and people above oneself. And, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on those who, like her great-grandfather, “have served and given what they could for our country.”

Whether Reynolds follows in the footsteps — or on the wings — of her great-grandfather remains to be seen. Through her academic programs she is preparing for two possible and very distinct careers, either as a pilot or as a surgeon.

“I love my country and my community, and I want to serve in a way that I am able to do the most to help both the people and the nation,” Reynolds said.

Will Rues
Army | Senior | History and Global & International Studies minor

Like other ROTC students, Will Rues always had a desire to serve his country, but he wasn’t sure how until he learned more about the ROTC program. As it does for many cadets, the program provided Rues with a path to fulfilling two goals: serving his country and earning a college degree. But, those aren’t the only two benefits for Rues.

“ROTC has provided me with added purpose and drive to be a better student and leader,” he said.

Rues chose the Army because, as the largest military branch, it has the most resources and career opportunities. He also values the diversity within the Army.

“Being from a small town with little diversity and being open to serving in any capacity, the Army was the perfect fit for me,” Rues said.

He wants to serve as an Air Defense Artillery, Field Artillery or Armor Officer, and he plans to earn a graduate degree after his military service.

Rues said the campus memorials often go by unnoticed most days, so on Veterans Day it’s important to reflect on the past and honor those who served. Both his grandfathers served — one as a B-17 engineer during World War II — as did an uncle.

“Their service has definitely inspired me to serve,” Rues said. “I was named after my grandfather, and our family still has his World War II uniform.”