First Sergeant Daniel Purdom is more than just an instructor, he’s a mentor. With a career rooted in military service, Purdom now dedicates himself to shaping students, teaching them discipline, leadership, and responsibility in the Junior Reserves Officer Training Corps (JROTC). For some students JROTC is not just another elective; they develop leadership skills, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility with First Sergeant Purdom’s guidance.
Before stepping into his role as the JROTC Instructor, First Sergeant Purdom built a career in the military. He first joined the U.S. Army straight out of high school and served for 20 years, having been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Purdom’s motivation to join the Army was from Top Gun, an action movie aired in 1986.
“I was watching Top Gun a lot my junior year of high school. I thought it was kind of cool, so I was like I want to be a fighter pilot. And a lot of movies back in the 90s, where like silly, goofy military movies. So that’s what I had in mind when I enlisted,” said First Sergeant Purdom.
When First Sergeant Purdom climbed the ranks in the military, it came with its own challenges. While some soldiers find themselves waiting years for their next promotion, Purdom’s career progressed quickly. Despite his fast paced rise through the ranks, Purdom admits that there were times where he felt unprepared for the roles he was stepping into.
“I got promoted to a specialist as soon as I was eligible because I came in as a PFC (Private First Class). So I got promoted that early because I was always chasing the promotion points,” said Purdom. “I got to Staff Sergeant pretty easily, and then from there, Sergeant First Class and then First Sergeant as soon as I was eligible.”
During First Sergeant Purdom’s time as a Drill Sergeant he recalls the transformation and bonds he made with the new recruits during basic training. Watching the transformation from nervous recruits to disciplined soldiers was one of the most rewarding parts of his time as a Drill Sergeant.
“When you get the new recruits, we call them skittles, they don’t know how to march. They can’t stay in step. They just look terrible. And then you see them just nine short weeks later, and they’re marching themselves. They’re perfectly in step and look like soldiers,” said Purdom. “Knowing that you are one of the three people that transformed those 60 kids from a dumpster fire into actual soldiers in nine weeks is the most rewarding feeling in the world.”
For First Sergeant Purdom, teaching was never just about finding a new career after retirement. It was about continuing to help young people discover their strengths, overcome challenges, and realize their full potential. He was able to connect with students, motivate them, and push them beyond their limits.
First Sergeant Purdom wants the cadets to learn that JROTC isn’t just about learning how to march or wearing a uniform, it’s about building character and preparing students for the future. He emphasizes that JROTC is not just for students interested in enlisting in the military. In fact, the majority of cadets do not pursue a military career after high school, but the program still provides them with invaluable life skills.
“Our mission in JROTC is to motivate young people to be better citizens. We’re not here to recruit for the military. We’re here to teach leadership, discipline, and responsibility,” said Purdom. “It teaches them confidence, communication skills, and the ability to work well with others. We give them leadership opportunities that they can take with them, whether they join the military or go to college or straight into the workforce.”
Beyond the structured lessons of JROTC, Purdom encourages his students to push past their comfort zones. He teaches them a strong work ethic and a sense of accountability and traits that will serve them well in any path they choose. His leadership style balances discipline with encouragement, ensuring that students feel both challenged and supported.
“A lot of these kids come in shy, unsure of themselves. By the time they leave, they’re leading their peers, making decisions, and stepping up in ways they never thought possible,” said Purdom. “I want them to understand that I have high expectations, but I also care about them as individuals. It’s not just about what they do in the classroom or in uniform. I want them to succeed in life.”
Being named Teacher of the Month is a reflection of First Sergeants Purdom’s dedication to his students and the JROTC program. His influence extends beyond the program itself, positively affecting the school community.
“It’s always nice to be recognized,” said Purdom. “But at the end of the day, I do this because I love working with these students. Seeing them succeed is the biggest reward.”
