Driven to serve

Marci Metcalfe, one of five children, was raised in Goshen. In 1997, she entered into the Health Technology program at Live Oaks Career Development Center with the goal of becoming a respiratory nurse.

While there, Metcalfe joined JROTC. With military in her blood (Metcalfe’s grandfather was a drill sergeant), she rapidly moved up the ranks. By graduation, Metcalfe was captain company commander. She was also offered a full scholarship for basketball, offering her an opportunity to pursue another passion.
 
But Metcalfe turned down the scholarship. Instead, she would fulfill her brother’s dream of becoming a soldier. With a heart murmur and unusually small lungs, the government turned him down numerous times.
 
“In hindsight, the military provided a work ethic and trained me to work hard in all aspects of my life. It helped learn to be versatile in many roles – whether it be driving a truck or saving a life. I feel that the military put faith in my abilities, and that translated into new challenging areas of life,” Metcalfe said. 
 
Metcalfe joined the Army as a truck driver and after basic training was deployed to Iraq as an extra pulled for hauling missions. There she became a 50-caliber gunner, providing protection for her convoy.

Metcalfe’s unit, which was attached to the 101 Airborne infantry, completed more than 3 million miles and spent 18 months in Iraq.  During that time, when a combat medic was injured during a gun fight, Metcalfe — who knew CPR from her studies at Live Oaks — was asked to step up and fill in.
 

“I always wanted to be in the medical field, and when I was able to jump in and help in this stressful situation, I found that I was incredibly calm in this very stressful situation. This was one of several signs that my calling was in the medical profession,” said Metcalfe. 
 
Once stateside, Metcalfe married, had two children and continued to serve as a supply sergeant, medic and the sexual harassment advocate for her National Guard unit. Until her retirement due to injuries received during her overseas deployment, Metcalfe gave exams to soldiers, conducted tests and presented over 100 briefings to educate combat medics.

Now enrolled at UC Clermont and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, Metcalfe hopes to apply the lessons and experiences from the armed forces to her next role.
 
“I chose to come to UC Clermont because of the low-stress environment, small class sizes and I feel as though I know most people here. I feel like it’s important for me to begin here to take a first step back to civilian life and creating a new career,” Metcalfe said.  
 
UC Clermont College is holding information sessions and tours every Tuesday at 6 p.m., Wednesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10 a.m. These weekly sessions offer prospective students and their families an opportunity to check out UC Clermont College in person. The $50 application fee will be waived for anyone who applies at the session.  
 
Fall semester begins Aug. 24. For more information, call 732-5319 or visit our website at www.ucclermont.edu.