Heather Adams
Published: December 7, 2005
Richard Carmean isn’t just an ordinary student. He’s a 50-year old motorcycle-riding military veteran who has lived life to it’s fullest extent.
Carmean came to PJC after he retired from the military to get an associate’s degree in history. He will graduate this spring, and then he plans to transfer to the University of West Florida where he will follow a dual major of history and education up to at least a master’s degree.
“Retirement gives me the opportunity to stay focused and really enjoy school, while giving it my best effort. I am here because I want to be here, and I am studying material that I enjoy,” Carmean said.
Carmean had a military career that lasted for more than 30 years, which was full of amazing experiences.
“I was 17 years old when I signed up and spent over 30 years in the Navy. I was lucky enough to have been stationed in Japan, the Philippines, Germany and Bahrain. I also deployed ship around the rest of the world,” Carmean said.
During his time in the Navy, Carmean also performed search and rescue missions, operated electronic sensors, and flew with the German Navy for four years while on exchange duty.
Even with all of his accomplishments from the Navy, two of the most unique things about Carmean are his passion for knowledge, and his overwhelming kindness.
Dave Doheny, one of Carmean’s fellow students, said, “Richard brings several things to the classroom, including a desire to learn and the willingness to help other students. Richard also is fun to have in the class.”
But Carmean isn’t just helpful to other students, the teachers benefit from his personality as well. Carmean isn’t shy about speaking up in class, which often helps to dissolve the traditional classroom feeling that makes some students shy. Carmean makes the classroom feel more open to discussion about subject being studied. Carmean’s ability to break down the student-teacher barriers in class is just one of the reasons that his teachers like him.
“Richard is good humored, supportive of me, and, I think, a good mentor to other students in the class,” said Sharon Harmon, a teacher in the history department.
Laurie Carmean, district coordinator for the financial aid office at PJC, and Richard Carmean’s wife said, “The one thing that you must remember about Richard is that he does nothing half way and expects the best from himself going in to anything. He strives also for the best in others. He shares his knowledge with others, not in an attempt to show off, but to truly mentor and encourage students.”