{"id":29246,"date":"2020-11-16T05:30:59","date_gmt":"2020-11-16T11:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.discoverclarksville.com\/articles\/?p=29246"},"modified":"2020-11-15T17:59:39","modified_gmt":"2020-11-15T23:59:39","slug":"austin-peay-state-university-rotc-student-zachary-labas-has-deployed-five-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discoverclarksville.com\/articles\/2020\/11\/16\/austin-peay-state-university-rotc-student-zachary-labas-has-deployed-five-times\/","title":{"rendered":"Austin Peay State University ROTC student Zachary Labas has deployed Five Times"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"AustinClarksville, TN<\/strong> – The Austin Peay State University (APSU) ROTC program this fall has 37 veteran soldiers, and each brings professional, tactical and technical knowledge and experience to their fellow cadets.<\/p>\n

Zachary Labas, a senior at APSU, is one of the 37 veteran soldiers in the program. He is also the ROTC\u2019s battalion commander (top-ranking cadet) this fall.<\/p>\n

\"Zachary<\/a>

Zachary Labas, right, works with an Austin Peay State University ROTC cadet during a field training exercise prior to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. (APSU)<\/p><\/div>\n

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Prior to attending Austin Peay State University, Labas served in the 3rd<\/sup> Ranger Battalion and the Regimental Special Troops Battalion in Fort Benning, Georgia, for 10 years. During this time, he deployed five times to various locations.<\/p>\n

Being a veteran cadet, he had the opportunity to enroll in the Green to Gold program, which he took. This program allows soldiers to get their baccalaureate degree or a two-year graduate degree and earn a commission as an Army officer.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Green to Gold program allows me to further my education while continuing to serve our country, and community,\u201d Labas said.<\/p>\n

The Green to Gold program also strengthens Austin Peay State University\u2019s ROTC program by bringing real-world knowledge and experience to the school\u2019s cadets.<\/p>\n

\u201cKnowing when to lead, and knowing when to follow, is extremely important,\u201d Labas said. \u201cEvery leader is going to fall short from time to time.<\/p>\n

\u201cFailure is an opportunity, an opportunity to grow and develop one\u2019s self,\u201d he continued. \u201cA room full of leaders has the potential to be counterproductive. Everyone must know their role and work as a team to achieve a common goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

Coming to Austin Peay State University<\/h3>\n
\"Zachary<\/a>

Zachary Labas with his family following an airborne operation on Fryar Drop Zone, Fort Benning, Georgia. (APSU)<\/p><\/div>\n

When Labas decided to pursue the Green to Gold program, he quickly noticed APSU\u2019s strong pedigree.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight away, I was greeted with enthusiastic faculty that answered every question I had,\u201d he said. \u201cEvery person I spoke to was genuine and did everything they could to lead me to success.\u201d<\/p>\n

Labas is seeking a degree in leadership and organizational administration. After graduation, he plans to serve the country for many more years.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe (ROTC) cadre do an amazing job at bringing out the best in everyone,\u201d Labas said about Austin Peay State University\u2019s program.<\/p>\n

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He had one last message to share, for anyone looking to join:<\/p>\n

\u201cI can guarantee that you will become a better student, leader and human being because of it,\u201d he said. \u201cThere is something very special when you are surrounded by a diverse group of volunteers that want to serve others. Step outside your comfort zone and start pursuing excellence today.\u201d<\/p>\n

To learn more <\/h3>\n