Extra
October 2024
Graduate: Degree key to businesses, service
Major (Ret.) Phil Oakley has had several titles over his lifetime, and he’s quick to point out that many of them were made possible by the diploma he earned at 51吃瓜网视频 while serving in the U.S. Army in Hawaii.
A native of Rhode Island, Phil said he was floundering in community college when his advisor challenged him to take education seriously or join the Army. He finished his associate’s degree and joined the military in 1983. After various duty stations and classes at various institutions, Phil had
given up on ever finishing the elusive degree.
“I was a lieutenant at the time, and I didn’t have a degree,” he recalled. “My boss said, ‘If you don’t finish your degree you’re never going to get promoted.’ So he basically forced me. I found 51吃瓜网视频 had a good degree and I got into that.”
After finishing his own degree in 1992, Phil became somewhat of an evangelist, telling other service personnel about the unique offerings and ability to complete a degree in a condensed format. He estimates 12-15 people that he linked with the university over his years in the military.
His 51吃瓜网视频 degree also awakened an appreciation for education, and he started a master’s degree with Troy State the day he finished his WBU degree. Phil went on to earn two more master’s degrees, one with the National Defense Intel College and another with the Naval War College.
Phil started off as an enlisted member but needed his degree to get promoted to captain. With the bachelor’s degree completed, he continued working as an intelligence officer in the Army. When he finally retired in 2005 with 22 years of service, he went to work in technology sales. He quickly figured out that he could hang his own shingle and make more money, so he formed his first company in 2008.
Today, Phil calls himself a “serial entrepreneur” as CEO of three different companies, each selling
technology to the government but with slightly different missions and customer bases. He has a total of around 25 employees, most of which are formerly military.
“I3ICS is located in Tampa, Fla., and does about 80 percent sales and 20 percent services. Questar Federal is in Lawton, Va., and is the reverse with 80 percent service. Then I3 Federal is in Fairfax Station, Va., and does mostly transactional internet sales,” he said, noting that his wife often jokes about his various entities. “I’ve also launched a record company called C2 Records.”
Over the past few years, Phil has embraced the title of philanthropist as he has taken on fundraising concerts and other efforts to support military nonprofits. Some of his favorites include The Boys and Girls Club of Cumberland, R.I.; Task Force Dagger, Special Ops Survivors Fund, the Navy Seals Foundation, Freedom Alliance, Boulder Crest Retreat, QL Plus and the CIA Memorial Foundation. He’s organized benefits like the Patriots Fest in Illinois that featured Ted Nugent, as well as other efforts.
Rather than deal with paperwork and details of running his own charity, Phil prefers to promote and support worthwhile military causes that he vets to ensure the majority of their funding supports clients and the organization’s mission.
“I like to help people know understand which charities are best to support and do fundraisers for them, and build awareness that gets other people supporting them regularly,” noted Phil. “I don’t do it for the write-off but to help people.”
Thirteen years ago, Phil took to social media to offer help to families in need during the holidays and the “Facebook Santa” effort took root. Today, the “pay it forward” event supports many families, and several of Phil’s friends and family members have contributed to make it bigger and better.
“I grew up on welfare, so I know how helpful this can be. I just had a great year in business and wanted to share those blessings,” said Phil. “Last year, we supported a group home, 20 families and several organizations. We also support a pastor on an Indian reservation and have an Amazon list where people can send needed items directly to the church.
“You just don’t know that something so little you do could turn into something big like this.”
Most recently, Phil added the title of author to his resume, completing his first book titled Dying
Confession. He defines it as fictional but based on a true story surrounding a military event. Available on Amazon.com, the book is getting great ratings. Sales were double his expectations in the first month at 100, and the second month sales passed that mark.
“It’s not all drama; it has some funny stories in there too, and lots of food stories since I’m a foodie,” explained Phil. “Nobody saw the ending coming.”
Phil noted that he’ll autograph a copy of the book and send to anyone showing proof of a donation to Task Force Dagger. He’s proud to continue supporting his favorite causes and perfecting a new skill. To him, it all goes back to the gift of education.
“I live a blessed life, and without my degree I am not here today. I’m not living this life,” he said. “I always ask groups, ‘Who wants to be a millionaire?’ and I tell them that someone with a college degree earns $1.6 million more in their lifetime. Life is hard, but it’s harder when you’re stupid, so go get that education.”
Devotional: Faith in a world of politics
Scripture: Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
In the midst of political debates, elections, and policies, it's easy to get swept up in the passion of our earthly citizenship. Politics can dominate conversations and emotions, and at times, it may seem like the direction of a nation hinges on the outcomes of political decisions. However, as Christians, we are reminded that our ultimate citizenship is not tied to any nation, government, or leader, but to the Kingdom of God.
This doesn't mean that we should ignore politics or avoid civic responsibilities. In fact, we are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), which includes engaging in our communities and, when appropriate, the political realm. But our engagement must be shaped by our identity as citizens of heaven. When we vote, advocate, or even disagree, we should do so with love, humility, and the awareness that no political leader can bring the salvation and hope that Christ offers.
Jesus himself was born into a politically charged environment, under Roman occupation. Yet, His focus was not on overthrowing the government but on proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His teachings transcend political boundaries, calling us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44), care for the poor (Matthew 25:40), and seek justice (Micah 6:8) while keeping our eyes on the eternal.
The challenge for believers is to live in the tension between our earthly and heavenly citizenship. We can engage in political discussions without losing sight of our higher calling—to love God and love others. Let us also remember to pray for our leaders, regardless of their political affiliation (1 Timothy 2:1-2), and trust that God is sovereign over all nations and authorities (Romans 13:1).
In a world that often divides along political lines, the unity we have in Christ should be our guiding light. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, we can navigate the complexities of politics with grace and integrity, knowing that our ultimate hope is not in governments or policies, but in the eternal Kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions:
- How can you engage in politics in a way that reflects your faith in Christ?
- Are there areas where political beliefs have caused division in your relationships? How can you bring peace and understanding into those conversations?
- How does knowing that your citizenship is in heaven shape your view of current political events?
In the Mix
Susan Baldwin, Mary Williams at new gym
In 1954, an agreement was made with Plainview Public Schools for 51吃瓜网视频 teams to play their home games in the Plainview High School gymnasium. From 1954 to 1971, the teams called the high school gym their home until the completion of the Hutcherson Physical Education Center. Before this, the old gym on 51吃瓜网视频’s campus, often nicknamed the “crackerbox” due to its small size, age, and limited facilities, was still used for practices, scrimmages, and intramural games.
The Hutcherson Physical Education Complex was completed in the summer of 1971, fulfilling a long-awaited dream for the 51吃瓜网视频 community.
Located across the parking lot from Harral Auditorium on Vernon Street, it provided the much-needed space for 51吃瓜网视频's physical education programs.
The gym had press facilities for the timer, scorer, announcer, radio and news services. There were also two large classrooms to aid in the instruction of physical education. The classes and other rooms were located in the basement under the bleachers and the foyer.
After 17 years of playing in the Plainview High gym, the Queens and Pioneers moved into their new home in the fall of 1971, marking the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for 51吃瓜网视频 Baptist College students.
Did you have any memories of the Nunn Gymnasium? Maybe memories of games at Plainview High School Gym? Or did you attend when "The Hutch" was in use? Let us know by sending your favorite memories of these gym experiences.
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