SR graduate shares military career highlights with students

JULIE POLLOCK ELLIOTT PHOTO

Susannah Mann explains to Sealy Hyatt’s class what the DD-214 is, what it can be used for and where one can locate a DD-214 if needed.

“When opportunities come up, take them. If you say no too often, you are likely to miss out on doing something that will bring you even more opportunities in the future. Saying yes to one opportunity creates a multiplying effect,” advice given by Susannah Mann to upperclassmen at South Ripley High School.

Susannah Mann, South Ripley Alum Class of 2008, was asked by Sealy Hyatt to speak to two of Hyatt’s JAG classes at South Ripley High School recently. The purpose of the presentation was to inform the upper classmen of different options that the students can pursue after graduation and opportunities within those options.

Mann is not a recruiter, however, she is a Transportation Officer in the Kentucky National Guard. She also works full time at UPS as an Industrial Engineer which she credits to her first military job as an Automated Logistics Specialist which is where her “Yes” started.

Mann was able to receive her undergraduate and graduate degree from Northern Kentucky University with the Kentucky National Guard student loan repayment of up to $50,000 which was part of her contract. Mann strongly encouraged anyone interested in the military to ensure they were happy with the details of the contract while working with their recruiter.

Mann shared many personal experiences from her time with the KNG. One of these included a trip to Washington D.C. Mann was on with the KNG where she was able to locate the name of a close friend’s family member on the Vietnam War Memorial which she took a picture of and sent to the friend. Participating during military funeral detail with her father, Phil Mann, has been another memorable experience for her.

At UPS, Mann is also the community outreach specialist for the UPS Veterans Business Resource Group (VBRG). Mann utilizes neighbor to neighbor hours given to UPS employees to use toward the VBRG. Since speaking at South Ripley, Mann has also spoke to classes at Milan High School, Brownstown Central High School, and Franklin County High School.