In higher education, as in the military, there are few permanent assignments.

We teach, train and prepare our students to the best of our ability until the day they receive their degrees and move on to fresh endeavors.

This is especially true of Jacksonville State University's ROTC alumni, who go on to valiantly serve their country in a time-honored tradition.

Many of JSU's ROTC alumni have gone on to serve in government and business.

Some have even returned to JSU to serve as faculty or staff members.

Their invaluable experience has become a great asset to the students of JSU.

Joe Serviss, who retired as JSU's vice president for institutional advancement in 2009, spent three years as an assistant professor of military science at JSU early in his army career. His last active duty assignment was chief of the evaluations division at the Armed Forces Staff College, National Defense University, before returning to work at his alma mater.

During his career at JSU, Serviss also served as president of the Alabama Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and as president of the Jacksonville Exchange Club.

In retirement, he continues to sit on the executive board of the twenty-two county Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Gordon Sumner Ph.D., founded the Washington, D.C. alumni chapter.

A retired senior Army officer, a former member of the Federal Government's Senior Executive Service and even an ROTC professor of military science in Nebraska, Dr. Sumner lists three key elements that impacted and contributed to his success in life: leadership, responsibility, and accountability.

"When looking back at how those of us that passed through the ROTC program conduct ourselves in our various professions, we are mission-focused, regardless of the nine to five work day. If we have a deadline, we always complete the task," says Dr. Sumner.

When asked about the role that the alumni play in the life of current cadets, Dr. Sumner stated, "Making ourselves available to listen and understand what they may be experiencing, and then imparting the lessons we (the alumni) have learned over the years is probably more valuable to a cadet. I'm sure they don't want to be regaled with stories that begin with back in my day…! These are men and women that have to go out and face a different set of challenges than we did."

The camaraderie forged in JSU's ROTC program, including the lessons learned and the lifelong friendships made, has stood the test of time and is the tie that binds.

The program has endured, in part, due to the efforts of the men and women who have gone before, setting an outstanding example along the way. Their contributions in the form of scholarship funds for cadets, mentoring and their participation in various events throughout the years is an example of their tireless commitment to the success of the program.

There are too many great men and women who make up the JSU ROTC alumni to list in one article.

For those who may be reading, we express gratitude for your commitment to the enduring success of a program that has served to strengthen the United States military. Your service and dedication is a beacon to those who follow in your esteemed footsteps.

To the families of those alumni who have paid the ultimate price in service of our country, your loved ones' efforts and sacrifice will endure. Jacksonville State University is proud to recognize these brave men and women as forever a part of the Gamecock family.

Giselle Tucker, a graduate student in the Office of Marketing and Communications, contributed to this article.