The Online Reflector

Among the diverse University of Indianapolis faculty is a professor who is proud to have served in the United States Navy. Johannon Tate, faculty adjunct professor of social sciences, served as a 2nd class Hospital Corpsman in the Navy.

“In that position I was responsible for leading junior sailors in the medical field during combat and peacetime operations, here in the United States and abroad,” Tate said.

Tate’s service in the Navy and his experiences during the time he served provided him with a new perspective on life, as well as a unique teaching style. Growing up in the United States, Tate said he did not have much experience with other cultures, nor did he engage in multicultural environments. But being able to travel with the Navy gave him the opportunity to interact with people from a different background with a different point of view on global issues.

At UIndy, he teaches a course called Social Problems, which encourages students to delve into global problems and use critical thinking to analyze them. Because of his service in the Navy, Tate said that he views the world differently and he incorporates his experiences in his class.

“I often speak about the differences in life in the United States versus life in other countries that I have lived or visited, including Japan, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain and Egypt,” Tate said.

Additionally, he was a certified trainer in the military and was responsible for teaching and facilitating various courses. During his certification process, he was taught valuable lessons that can also be applied to his teaching at the university.

“I was taught to find ways to always attempt to maintain a positive attitude and find ways to ensure the presentation of information is interesting,” he said.

Tate’s time in the service affected him significantly, both mentally and emotionally. He said he appreciates the contact he had with other cultures because it forced him to become more open-minded and knowledgeable about ways of life that differed from his. He said he uses that knowledge not only in the classroom setting, but also in his personal life.

“My time in the service benefited me a great deal,” he said. “I was able to be exposed to diverse populations of people early in life which allowed me to appreciate the differences in lifestyles and customs that exist within the world.”

Tate said that since he now has a broader understanding of the world, he shares that insight with his students.

“I am able to understand why different populations of people do different things and how it correlates to the lives they live,” he said. “The most rewarding aspect of being in the military was serving my country while learning and traveling.”

Tate expressed his happiness regarding president Barack Obama’s recent announcement which will lead to extraction of U.S. troops from Iraq. He is happy for the soldiers’ reunion with their families.

“I think it’s great for the troops that are there and their families,” he said. “Having served in combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan…I know the hardships that the troops are experiencing.”

Despite his excitement for the troops and their families, Tate said he finds it hard to believe that all of the troops can be extracted safely in such a short amount of time. He said he questions the government’s ability to execute such a significant operation.

Regardless, because just a few years ago he was in the same position as the troops in Iraq, he hopes that they will be able to come home and see their families and friends.

Tate also offered his opinion on the relationship the media has with the war. He does not completely agree with the portrayal of the War on Terrorism in the media and said that although there are a lot of violent tragedies that occur in Iraq, there are also positive aspects to the war.

“The media is not set up to show the good aspects of what is happening,” he said. “Negativity sells and so that is what is reported. Many people say the War on Terrorism was unnecessary, but I beg to differ. Had drastic measures not been taken, it is my belief that the U.S. would have been left vulnerable to future attacks by terrorists.”

Tate said there are many benefits to joining the military. By enlisting, young men and women can learn at a fast pace, and earn college credits and demonstrate patriotism while doing so. However, despite the advantages to serving in the Navy, Tate said it can also take considerable emotional tolls on someone. He was forced to witness violence, so someone considering joining the military has to be prepared for the worst.

“I would caution anyone who is considering entering the military to think long and hard before doing so,” he said. “People must understand the possibility of going to war is real and once the Oath has been taken, one should not desert if called to go to a hostile environment.”

Because of his Navy experience, Tate encourages others to consider serving also.

“Your country is counting on you if you sign that line and raise your hand,” Tate said.