Alumni Council Honors United States Marine

This year, The Benjamin School Alumni Council named alumnus Brad Flournoy ‘91 its Distinguished Alumni Award recipient – an honor only his fellow classmate, Dr. Andy Larson ‘91 shares. Brad, who played football while at The Benjamin School, is a Major in the Marines serving as a Marine Corps pilot, flying both helicopters and fixed wing aircraft. After graduating from TBS, Brad attended the University of Florida and is currently working on his Master’s degree from the U.S. Air Force’s Air Command and Staff College in Montgomery, Alabama. He plans to work for the U.S. Special Operations Command in the near future.

Brad took a break from his demanding schedule to answer the following questions for The Buccaneer.

HOW MANY TOURS OF DUTY HAVE YOU COMPLETED AND TO WHERE?

I have completed four tours total of seven month each. One of the tours was in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and the other three were in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

Being a coach and a dad for my kids, as well as figuring out what I'm going todo when I can no longer fly tactical aircraft.

WHAT DO YOU THINK IS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT?

My greatest title is "Dad,” my greatest accomplishment. I'll tell you when my kids achieve their dreams.

HOW WELL DID BENJAMIN PREPARE YOU YOUR LIFE EXPERIENCES TODAY?

It certainly helped me achieve my own dreams.  Academically, it was critical. I do not think I ever would have been properly prepared for today's challenges if I had remained in the public school system.  Physically, Coach Ream and Coach Connors pushed me to my physical limits and they prepared me for future "gut checks" in the Marines.  Mentally and socially, it was paramount. As amiddle class kid, I never would have been exposed to social and academic elites. As a result, I'm not intimidated or in awe of either.  More importantly, it made me thankful. My attendance at Benjamin was the result of philanthropy shown by charismatic andsuccessful people close to Mr. Benjamin. Without their financial support and insight, I probably would be flipping hamburgers.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM BENJAMIN?

The people, my classmates, my teachers, mycoaches and my family. I am very thankful and fortunate to have been a part of TBS.