Military alumnus wins Greater Minds in STEM award for being a hero to youth

Liberty University military alumnus Sergeant First Class (SFC) James Webb (’18), of the 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, N.Y., believes that investing in the next generation is the key to a brighter future.

Webb serves as the Division Equal Opportunity Advisor for the 10th Mountain Division Light Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. On the side, Webb partners with Boy Scouts of America to engage youth in the STEM fields.

Greater Minds in STEM (GMiS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to keeping America technologically strong by promoting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math careers, according to its mission statement.

Webb’s volunteer efforts were commended with a 2020 GMiS Uniformed Services Heroes Award, a distinct honor given to only 10 individuals nationwide.

“Youth are the leaders of tomorrow,” he said. “It’s our job to invest in them and make sure they’re on the right path. If we don’t do that now, we’re not going to have the great leaders we need to run this country. … When I received this award, I was floored. I was happy that my coworkers saw the work I was doing here with the community.”

The organization received a record number of nominations in 2020, which exceeded 5,000, making Webb’s recognition even more special.

Webb’s Cub Scouts, ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade, logged over 750 community service hours in 2019-20, as well as hiked over 1,750 miles. Webb has also conducted interviews with his scouts and NASA engineers, taught scouts how to build volcanos, supply drops, and more. Additionally, he found ways to continue educating youth when the global coronavirus pandemic hit last March.

“When corona hit, we needed ways to engage people and make sure families are staying engaged and positive and can spend time together,” said Webb, 39. “So, we took our STEM program and turned it virtual.”

Recently in one of Webb’s camps, scouts learned about preservation from an archeological team. His group also partnered with the USCG Alexandria Bay for Tech Talk to demonstrate technology in their gear—boats, equipment, and how rescuers use these items to perform ice rescues during the winter.

“I never thought I’d be conducting Zoom meetings 20 years ago, but it’s a norm for the current generation,” Webb added. “I want them to know that if they reach for the moon, they may reach the stars. … Never give up on your goals.”

Shortly after high school, Webb joined the Army as an airborne artilleryman — fulfilling his dream of joining the military. But even while on duty, Webb wanted to grow his education.

After surveying several colleges and universities, Webb’s heart landed at Liberty University, where he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Project Management in 2018 through Liberty’s online program.

“It was awesome to study my degree while I was abroad and learn about international relations while actually being in another country,” said Webb, who was stationed in South Korea during a portion of one of his classes. “The teachers at Liberty took a vested interest in the individual, so that really turned me on to the program.”

Webb lives in Syracuse, N.Y., with his wife and son.

“This award has opened doors for me to provide for more scouts in the future,” he said. “I don’t do it for the recognition, but this award validates all the hard work.”

Explore the benefits available to online and residential military students at Liberty.edu/Military. Call (855) 355-4947 (toll free) or (434) 592-5990 (direct), or email LUMilitary@liberty.edu.