Sixth graders at Graham celebrate Veteran's Day with Sgt. Rasheem Thomas

Students in Tabitha Shelton’s sixth-grade class warmly welcomed Sgt. Rasheem Thomas to their classroom last week to have a discussion and learn about what it means to be a veteran. Sgt. Thomas served in the United States Marine Corps for a decade and continues to live a life of service by teaching others, keeping people safe and being an active member of his community. 

Students were encouraged to get curious about life in the United States Armed Forces and to come up with questions for Sgt. Thomas after his presentation. Sgt. Thomas did three tours over his ten-year military career, including two combat tours in Afghanistan and one non-combat tour in Spain. He told students stories from his enlistment and after his honorable discharge, which kept students intrigued throughout the lesson. 

Sgt. Thomas is recognized for his life-saving efforts and dedication to keeping everyone around him safe. In 2014, he saved the life of an FBI agent who was trapped in a van after a gas leak explosion. Sgt. Thomas jumped into action without hesitation, pulling bricks from over the vehicle and pulling the passenger out to save his life. Sgt. Thomas is known by his community and country as a modern-day hero. He currently works as a bodyguard for political figures and celebrities, such as Mark Zuckerberg, Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Lopez.