Alumni Spotlight – Jarad Denton ‘00
January 2, 2014
Although not often a media focal point, the Horn of Africa is one of the most dangerous places in the world. Its proximity to the Suez Canal and oil routes from the Middle East gives it crucial strategic importance in the world economy. Modern pirates use lawless Somalia as a convenient base from which to prey on shipping in the Gulf of Aden. And the area is a major battleground in the War on Terrorism.
The United States military has only one presence there – in fact, one presence in the entire African continent – Camp Lemmonier in Djibouti, a small country between Somalia and Ethiopia. This former barracks of the French Foreign Legion allows the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, consisting of U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines, to pursue its mission of promoting security and stability in the region.
Serving in that task force is Senior Airman Jarad Denton, a proud member of the Class of 2000.
As a Warrior, Jarad was on the track team, lettering all four years and winning various awards while running the 100 and 200 meter dash, long jumping, and participating in 4 x 100 relays. In the classroom, Jarad freely admits, “I was by no means a stellar student.” His passion for school – one that unexpectedly guided his future – came from his involvement in newspaper and yearbook. “I am incredibly thankful for the teachers who took the time to instruct me on the basics of writing and communication,” he said. “Knowing the fundamentals has been an integral part of my personal and professional growth.”
A clear path to a profession was not clear to him at SHS graduation, however. He studied at York College, but then began a short-lived career in criminal justice in various retail enterprises in the York area. It was in 2009 that he decided upon a major change in his life’s direction and he ‘found himself’ in the United States Air Force.
“I had always considered joining the Air Force,” he said. “With both my parents serving their country during the Vietnam War, I had grown up hearing stories about their time in the military. Although I was considerably older than most people who enlist – it was a decision I would gladly repeat.”
It was early in basic training that the Air Force identified his natural writing ability and sent him to Fort Meade, Maryland for training as a public affairs specialist. After that, it was assignment to Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, where he managed the base social media network and worked with regional and national media to tell the story of the 28th Bomb Wing. He has been named Airman of the Month and Airman of the Quarter at various postings, but takes greatest pride in his journalism awards, which include Air Combat Command 1st Place for Best Feature Article, 2nd Place for Outstanding New Writer, and 3rd Place for Best Photojournalism Story. Additionally, Jarad’s writing while in Africa has been featured on the Department of Defense website, translated into foreign languages and republished to an international audience.
Coincident with his Air Force service, his academic career has flourished also. He earned an Associate’s Degree in Public Affairs from the Community College of the Air Force and a Bachelor of Arts in English from American Military University in 2011. He is currently on schedule to receive both an MBA in Global Management from Ashford University and a Master’s Certificate in Project Management from Villanova University in August 2012.
Looking back on his days at SHS, Jarad remembers, in particular, teachers Joan Kling (English), Amy Kendrick (Journalism), and Robert Heap (History). “Each of them had a strong influence on me, and who I am today,” he said. “I was fortunate to go through high school during a time when the fundamentals of science, math, language and history were taught by exceptionally gifted and passionate teachers.”
Although his Air Force and journalism career has only just begun, it is certain that we will be hearing much more from this fine young airman and Warrior alum.
Jarad Denton, Class of 2000: Thanks for making us ‘Warrior Proud.’