December Alumni Spotlight

Eric Lee, SJNMA Class of 2009
“Play the Game Until the Whistle Blows”

Eric Lee graduated from St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy in 2009, not entirely sure of his next steps. While SJNMA provided him with a strong foundation, he was still searching for a clear path forward. Inspired by a girl he wanted to impress, Eric decided to do what he knew best to succeed—he joined the U.S. Army. (He’s now married to that girl and has a son.)

Basic training was “easy” for Eric because, as he put it, SJNMA “got the military aspect right.” He was far ahead of his peers, having already learned the foundations of responsibility and teamwork at the Academy. He excelled at following directions and took charge of his future, gaining the self-confidence to assert himself and make tough decisions quickly. His company earned the title of Best Company, and he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he spent a year attached to an Operational Detachment Alpha (ODA) team.

Eric credits the value of community service at SJNMA as one of the most important lessons that prepared him for his Army experience. During his time as a cadet, the countless hours he spent on community service gave him a deeper understanding of how others live. He described this as “real empathy.” This foundation helped him maintain his composure in Afghanistan, despite witnessing harsh realities. The experience “turned his worldview upside down,” especially when confronted with extreme poverty. He recalls how locals cooked over dried animal feces simply to prepare a meal.

Eric’s advice to graduating seniors is simple but profound: make sure you have a well-thought-out “why.” Life will throw curveballs, and things won’t always be easy. His own experiences have given him a greater perspective on humanity and a deeper empathy for others.

However, the service Eric gave in Afghanistan came at a price. During a doctor’s appointment for his son, Eric made an offhand comment that prompted the physician to urge him to get checked. The next day, Eric was diagnosed with stage 4 adenocarcinoma caused by exposure to burn pits. Although the tumors are small, he needs to remain off chemotherapy long enough for surgeons to remove the cancer. It’s going to be a long road, but Eric is determined to fight with everything he has.

Eric, who achieved the rank of E-4 before his honorable discharge, is currently employed by Otis Elevators. He encourages current students to read the Beacon, stating that everything they need to know about life and handling uncertainty can be found within its pages.