by Claudette Riley

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Growing up, Anthony “Ryan” Newkirk only wanted to join the U.S. Marine Corps.

He enlisted his junior year at Mt. Vernon High School and shipped off to basic training shortly after graduation.

Halfway through a five-year stint in the military, while training others on satellite communications, he discovered a love of teaching. After he obtained an honorable discharge, he enrolled at Missouri State University.