Retired Marine Corps Trailblazer speaks in Arendtsville  (Myers-Carrier '11)

Upper Adams Intermediate students in Arendtsville heard firsthand about the opportunities and experiences of military service when retired U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ashley (Myers) Carrier '11 shared her story as part of the school's annual Veterans Day program. Carrier, who is the niece of physical education teacher, Mrs. Yargar-Reed, spoke about her years in the service.

Carrier, who served nine years on active duty in the Marine Corps after spending four years as a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy, spoke about what inspired her to serve, her experiences traveling the world and the importance of teamwork and leadership and paving the way for others. Carrier's interest in the military began very early. As a third grader, she attended a football game at the Naval Academy with her father. Watching the midshipmen march into the stadium in formation, wearing their uniforms and saluting during the national anthem, left a lasting impression. "I was like, I want to join that group of people right there," she recalled.