Major Philip Kwan, a PHS graduate, came to PHS during our Veterans day assembly. To tell his story but he did so much more than just tell his story. He impacted the lives of many.  He was in the military and he knows how the armed forces work. He knows the sacrifice that these brave men and women give everyday. So we the people of America can lay our heads down on our pillows every night and be safe. 

44% of high school students join the military fresh out of high school. That’s 44% of 17 and 18 year olds. Some are still children in their parents’ eyes that are choosing to go and fight for our freedoms. 

  Sophomore Cove Vance said Major Philip Kwan’s speech impacted me by showing me that when I join the military there will be some positives that come with it, it’s not all negativity. The part of his speech that impacted me the most is whenever he was talking about helping the kids in the orphanage overseas. I have wanted to join the Air Force for as long as I can remember being a pilot is something that has really stood out to me.

Senior Heidi Seiberlich said Philip Kwan’s speech opened up my eyes by how he commanded the room when he entered and made me think, is this how it’s really going to be? He also showed me that no matter where you come from, you can make a huge difference by just being a kind person and just being yourself. I come from a military family which is very comforting to know that I have a family to fall back on if I have questions. My dad is the biggest influence on me to join. He was the one who put the idea in my head but ultimately made me know that it was my decision. 

Major Philip Kwan came from the same small town that we all live in. He also created a valid point that just because we come from a small town doesn’t mean we can’t accomplish big things, we just have to work a little harder.