Once a month, sophomore University student Lach Litwer is a “weekend warrior.”
Though Litwer said school life is important to him, serving his country is also important. Litwer is an Air National Guardsman, sometimes known as a “weekend warrior.” Despite possible deployment abroad, he continues to feel strongly about his position serving his country.
The attacks on the World Trade Center in New York affected Litwer and his family very personally. His cousin was killed on Sept. 11 while working in an upper level of one of the World Trade Center towers.
Though he was saddened by the loss, Litwer said he also feels it is time to act.
“In regards to the events (since Sept. 11), it boils down to a very simple thing: You never get into fights, but if someone ever hits you, make sure they don’t ever do it again. If I were to be activated for duty, I’d be ready to respond to the call,” he said.
When he finds the time, Litwer also likes to go hiking and ultra-light camping. However, in a typical week, the sophomore keeps the peace as a resident assistant in the Bean complex, one of the University’s residence halls. He also attends five classes, totaling 14 credits. As a double-major in psychology and political science, Litwer has his work cut out for him.
A large part of Litwer’s life has been community service. Though Litwer started college two years late, he didn’t put off college to take a break. Litwer worked for two years doing social work with AmeriCorps and a San Diego organization that works to help kids on the streets. After that, Litwer decided to attend the University to pursue a career in either psychology or law.
Litwer said he strives to have good character, and his colleagues have apparently picked up on that.
Lieutenant Matt Glen of the University ROTC program praised Litwer, his Guard colleague, as a “hard worker” who has “his head on his shoulders.”
Bean co-RA Lindy Albert said Litwer is “very excited and dedicated to being an RA.”
“(Litwer) wants to get good experience out of this for himself and to be an influence on others,” she said.
Before he had the opportunity to inspire people at the University, Litwer said he was first inspired by other people with great character. Throughout his volunteer work, he met many such motivational individuals. Some of the most inspiring people Litwer met had a common trait.
“Throughout my experience, I noticed a lot of the people I had admiration for had prior military service,” Litwer said.
Litwer noticed a lot of good qualities in his military friends and wanted those qualities for himself. So he joined the National Guard.
The National Guard is different from the “regular” military because, unlike the main active troops, it is run by individual states. Litwer sees the National Guard as a pillar of support for communities around Oregon. Litwer worked with the Guard to help kids read. He also worked alongside firefighters during some fierce battles, and was “out pounding the ground” with the U.S. Forest Service.
“It’s probably the most rewarding part of the job,” Litwer said. “We have a large peacetime mission.”
But now, times aren’t as peaceful. In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, President George W. Bush called up 9,087 reservists and National Guard soldiers to active duty. In times of emergency, the state-run Guard has the option to transfer its resources to the federal government. At that time, local troops may be deployed.
Leaving wouldn’t be entirely easy, Litwer said. Deployment would mean missing classes and good times in the residence halls.
“I’ve really grown attached to the fellow RA’s and residents (of Bean), but I’m always ready to respond as needed in times of national emergency,” Litwer said. “Sure, I’ll miss out on things, but too bad.”
If Litwer is called into duty, his academic career will not be damaged.
“With any guardsmen or reservists, there is government protection,” he said.
Litwer said sometimes, depending on the teacher, deployed students would be able to complete their courses by correspondence. But if not, Litwer said the government guarantees that reservists’ grade point average and credit information will stay intact.
“When it is such a random act of violence,” Litwer said, “I’m very ready to respond if the time comes.”
Marcus Hathcock is a features reporter for the Oregon Daily Emerald. He can be reached at [email protected].