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An Air Force assembly, facilitated by DistrictWON at Central High School, gave members of the Central Wrestling team an up-close look at military life, career opportunities and the benefits of service.
Staff Sergeant (E6) Levi Marler and Sgt. Roland spoke candidly about their career paths and personal journeys, connecting their experiences to the goals and aspirations of student athletes.
“I joined back in ’09 to get out of my hometown. I wanted to travel and do something cool,” Marler shared.
That decision led him to become a hydraulics specialist on C-130 cargo aircraft, one of the Air Force’s primary transport planes. His work focused on moving cargo and troops worldwide in support of missions across the globe.
Marler described some of his most meaningful experiences.
“I enjoyed it the most when we were supporting other branches while in Afghanistan or when we would provide support for disasters like hurricane relief transporting emergency FEMA supplies,” he said. “I liked the feeling of making a difference.”
He emphasized that military service not only allowed him to travel but also gave him a strong sense of purpose and pride.
The recruiters also addressed common misconceptions about joining the Air Force. Marler explained that the process requires preparation.
“I think people don’t understand how difficult it can be and just assume they will be able to join whenever,” he said, noting that physical fitness, medical qualifications and career field availability all play a role.
For wrestlers in the room, the connection between athletics and military service was clear.
“Teamwork and dedication to something bigger than themselves,” Marler said, are qualities that translate directly from sports to the Air Force. He also outlined key benefits, including education assistance, hands-on job training and mentorship.
Students responded with enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions such as:
“How long was boot camp?” “Are there cybersecurity jobs available in the Air Force?” “Do you travel a lot?” and “How much say do you have in choosing a job?”
Their curiosity reflected genuine interest in learning about both enlisted life and long-term career pathways.
Teacher and wrestling coach Quentin Grill praised the presentation.
“Tsgt. Marler and Sgt. Roland did a good job. They each spoke about what led them to the Air Force, what they started out doing and how they got to where they are now,” Grill said. “They connected well with students asking and answering all questions.”
Grill emphasized the importance of exposure to diverse career options.
“It’s helpful to have information about options and to have a specific person in that field to contact,” he said.
One student is already in the process of joining, and after the event, another began speaking with recruiters.
Central’s wrestlers left the assembly with expanded horizons and a deeper understanding of how service could shape their futures.