Lieutenant Colonel William Hurd, U.S. Army, currently serving as Commander of the U.S. Battalion within the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in Egypt, recently joined Banks County High School students via Zoom for a special virtual presentation. LTC Hurd spoke with 11th Grade American Literature students about international peacekeeping, leadership, civic duty, and the importance of public service, offering a firsthand perspective on how these themes play out in real-world contexts.
His remarks closely aligned with the American Literature unit’s focus on service, sacrifice, and national identity, helping students make meaningful connections between the texts they are studying and the lived experiences of those who serve. LTC Hurd also shared timely information about the status of current events in foreign affairs, international policy, and peacekeeping operations, giving students a deeper understanding of the United States’ role on the global stage.
This learning experience was especially significant as the school community honors Veterans Day and reflects on the sacrifices made by members of the Armed Forces. The virtual visit was coordinated by William Carter, 12th Grade British Literature (Honors) teacher at Banks County High School, who helped organize the day so that students could engage directly with a military leader serving overseas.