Thousands of Americans every day are overseas fighting for America’s safety. Shores is privileged in having one as a teacher.

Social studies teacher Steve Morell, who was in the U.S. Marine Corps as a Lieutenant Colonel, returned to Shores at the beginning of this year after being overseas since January 2005.

He was stationed in Africa in Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Comoros, and Mauritius; in South America in Ecuador; and in the Middle East in Afghanistan.

"I was mobilized by the president of the United States and had obligations to serve my country and considered it an honor," Mr. Morell said.

One aspect Mr. Morell experienced in the Marine Corps is the camaraderie with the other Marines.

"The friendships you make are friendships that last a lifetime," Mr. Morell said. "You have to be totally reliant on the guy next to you."

While in Afghanistan, Mr. Morell saw many upsetting things many Americans do not see.

"One day when we were on patrol, we came across a guy holding a cow crying," he said. "He was crying because he sent his son out into a minefield to see if it was safe to farm. We asked, ‘Why did you not send out the cow instead?’ And he said, ‘Because the cow feeds the whole family.’ It was crazy to know the decisions that these people have to make in order to survive."

Having to be gone for six years, he missed out on many important things in his life that he cannot get back.

"The things I missed the most while I was gone was my wife and family," Mr. Morell said. "I missed both of my kids’ graduations, birthdays, and many holidays."

Mr. Morell has been home for five months now, and he said it has been a big change coming from Third World countries back to America.

"It was surreal to return home," Mr. Morell said. "One day you’re fighting for your country, and the next day you’re eating McDonald’s."

Mr. Morell trained up until the day he left and said it was an honor to serve his country, fighting for the safety and freedom of the United States.

"I am proud of my service to my country, and in my 26 years in the Marine Corps, I take a tremendous amount of pride," Mr. Morell said. "Every American should serve their country in one way or another."