JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- 1st Sgt. Anthony Landrum, a retired Marine recently named Teacher of the Year at Ribault H.S., is described as a strict demanding leader. He’s the instructor of the Marine Corps Junior ROTC and some students try to avoid him at all costs.
"1st Sgt is all about attention to detail,” said Malvern Sampson, Ribault H.S. senior. “Everything has to be perfect."
During a promotion ceremony for his ROTC cadets, Landrum stands at attention watching his students march in place. Calling orders seems to come natural for the 1st Sgt.
But he says keeping students in line is about much more than formations, straight faces and stern tones, "A lot of young people don't make it. I see students running around the campus all of the time, some of them won't go to class and I tell the cadets- you don't have an option."
There's only one way through high school as a member of Landrum's squad.
"I teach structure and discipline every single day," said Landrum.
During his 13 years at Ribault High he has guided an estimated 100 students into the military out of the Jr. ROTC program.
"And we've had at least another 100 actually go to college,” said Landrum. “So we make sure that when they leave the program they have a plan. Whether you're going into the military, a trade school or you're going to go to college."
"Next year I'm going to college and I'll get a degree and then go to the United States Marine Corps," said Sampson.
He’s 15 year old high school senior, one of hundreds of students Landrum has reared over the years. One who chose not to scurry the other way, as the 1st Sergeant approached.
"I'm a pretty big enforcer on this campus,” said Landrum. “Students see me coming, they know either go the other way or I will say something."
The decorated Marine with 21 years of service says it's not just about his Jr. ROTC cadets, he aims to influence the nearly 1400 students who walk through Ribault’s halls.
"I know there's somebody out there that I'll say something to that's going to remember it and they're going to be like you said one thing to me and it made me wake up," said Landrum.
He also serves as the Vice President of the Jacksonville Chapter of the Montford Point Marine Association, a group that honors the legacy of the first black members of the United States Marine Corps. The non-profit participates in Toys for Tots and outreach programs for Jacksonville youth.