Air Force recruiter proposes mandatory military presentations in Allegany County schools

Technical Sergeant Copeland, an Air Force recruiter based in LaBelle, asked the board during public comment on Jan. 14 to consider district-supported military presentations to ensure students understand military and career options.

Copeland said he covers about 28 schools in his area and currently visits Allegany High, Fort Hill High School and Mount Orange about once a month, usually for lunchroom visits. He told the board he sees "minimal to no knowledge" among students about military opportunities and proposed that "schools of Allegheny County have a mandatory, military presentation, whether that be once for once a school year or whether they sign up, certain students, groups of students sign up throughout the year." Copeland said he is not seeking to boost recruiting numbers but to provide career counseling and accurate information.

Board members thanked Copeland for his service and expressed willingness to connect him with district counseling and instruction staff. Superintendent Blank and other board members said they would put him in touch with appropriate staff to explore logistics; no formal action was taken and no policy change was proposed at the meeting.

Copeland said Garrett County previously approved a three-part military course at two high schools and offered flexibility in designing a program for Allegany County. He noted he will remain in the area for three more years and intends to build relationships with students and counselors to support postsecondary planning.