By Derrick Smith

Lieutenant Colonel Lance Murray and Technical Sergeant Michael Nelson are both retired from the United States Air Force. After they devoted part of their lives to serving our country, they are now serving the public in a different way, but it can be just as rewarding. They are both Air Force ROTC instructors at Enid High School. Let’s get to know them a little better.

Q: Tell us a little about your family.

Murray: I am married to my wife Kristi, and we have two children, Kayli and Luke.

Nelson: My wife, Lea, and I have two children, Alaina and Matthew.

Q: What made you decide to be an educator?

Murray: I have always enjoyed teaching. I was an instructor in the Air Force and worked with youth at church. I felt this was a way to stay connected to the Air Force and hopefully pass on some of the hard-earned wisdom I gained during 20 years of service.

Nelson: When I was in the military, my motto was God first, Family, Country! Being a teacher is a way I could still serve my country and make a difference in the world. Also, I love kids and seeing them grow and develop into young adults.

Q: When you were growing up, who were some teachers that had an impact on your life?

Murray: My two ROTC teachers, Lieutenant Colonel Yenter and Master Sergeant West. They demanded I give my best effort, but they were always there to help and encourage me.

Nelson: My 6th-grade teacher Mrs. Rebhan because I wanted to be just like her. I knew she cared about me. My coaches-Deal, Fitzgerald, and Freeman- because I still say and do things today the way they taught me.

Q: What is the best advice you have been given regarding teaching?

Murray: Show the students you genuinely care about them. Also, try to connect what I teach to what they will face in the “real world” after high school. 

Nelson: Students do not care about how much you know, they just want to know how much you care. If you don’t care, you shouldn’t be a teacher.

Q: What do you enjoy doing when you are not teaching?

Murray: Spending time with my family, traveling, reading 

Nelson: I love to travel and spend time with my family. I also enjoy running obstacle races, playing volleyball, and pickleball.