While military service and higher education may seem like distinct paths, both share a common foundation in discipline, leadership, and lifelong success. During a recent U.S. Air Force recruiter training at Walsh University, Staff Sergeants Kurt Kumhall and Jacob Derry shared how these two paths complement one another and the vital role the University plays in supporting service members as they transition to civilian careers.
Walsh University, a Military Friendly® School and Purple Heart designated university, hosted the training on campus, providing a welcoming environment for recruiters like Kumhall and Derry to enhance their skills in engaging potential enlistees across high schools nationwide.
“Reaching our recruitment goals isn’t just about numbers; it’s about being present in the community and building trust,” Derry shared. “The U.S. Air Force is on track to meet its recruitment goals for fiscal year 2025, and we credit this success to our active presence in communities like this one.”
Kumhall, who recruits in the North Canton, Uniontown, and Green areas, emphasized the importance of forming personal connections with potential recruits. “We try to be relatable, showing them that we’re real people with normal lives,” he explained. “We come from different backgrounds, but we come together to learn teamwork, accountability, and build character.”
The Air Force provides many opportunities that resonate with young people, including competitive pay, travel, and the ability to earn a college degree while serving. “We share real-life stories to help students envision the possibilities,” Kumhall said. However, returning to higher education after military service can be challenging for many veterans. “It can be tough. Military members are out of school for a long time, so having a university like Walsh that supports them in making that transition is invaluable.”
For service members using the GI Bill, finding a supportive institution is crucial. Derry highlighted Walsh University’s commitment to veterans, citing Joshua Ruiz, Walsh’s Coordinator of Veterans Affairs and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “What sets Walsh apart is having someone like Joshua, who walks alongside veterans and helps them navigate the benefits they’ve earned,” Derry said.
Ruiz has been key in inviting the U.S. Air Force and other military groups to use Walsh’s facilities for training. This collaboration not only provides a space for military recruiters to refine their skills but also showcases the support Walsh offers to students and veterans. “When recruiters speak with veterans or students looking to pursue higher education, Walsh University is always among their top recommendations,” Ruiz said.
This support proved life-changing for Walsh student Matthew Voegele, a biology major. A chance encounter with Master Sgt. Fox, an Air Force Recruiter attending the training, opened new doors for Voegele’s future in the Air Force. He had been working with a local recruiter who told him his specific degree wouldn’t qualify him for his desired Air Force career.
“Meeting Master Sgt. Fox was a pivotal moment. I wasn’t expecting to find a new path forward that day, but a coincidental encounter with President Tim Collins at a softball game changed everything,” Voegele shared. “President Collins mentioned Master Sgt. Fox on a whim, and lucky for me, Master Sgt. Fox had excellent insight into the application process, which gave me new hope. I feel strongly that I want a career as an aerospace physiologist, and his mentorship was invaluable.”
Voegele credits the unwavering support of Walsh University faculty and leaders like Joshua Ruiz and President Collins, who has 30 years of military service as a U.S. Air Force command pilot and spoke to the Air Force recruiter class, for encouraging him throughout his journey. “The guidance and belief in my potential from Walsh faculty and leaders like Joshua Ruiz and President Collins have strengthened my determination to pursue an Air Force career, even in the face of challenges,” he said.
