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Zach Adams: Soldier, Student, Daddy

June 22, 2015

Zach Adams: Soldier, Student, Daddy

Adams Family


From growing up in tiny Mustang, Oklahoma, to serving with a church mission in Korea, to combat duty in Iraq and Afghanistan — the road to Ohio State has been a long, and geographically diverse, one for Zach Adams. 

But today, Adams is on campus, working toward an undergraduate degree in Korean studies, thanks to the U.S. Army’s two-year Green to Gold program, which provides active duty enlisted soldiers the opportunity to complete a degree and earn a commission as an Army officer.

Adams, an E-5 sergeant, applied for the program last year; of more than 2,500 applicants nationwide, he is one of only 175 selected and the only recipient studying at Ohio State.

“I didn’t think I’d get in,” he said humbly. “I’m just a normal soldier.”

Adams has 21 months to earn his degree in Korean studies, after having completed general education courses through the American Military University. He was drawn to Ohio State “because of the prestige of the Korean language program.”

Why Korean? Adams explained it all started with a girl. 

“When I was serving my mission for my church in South Korea, I met a beautiful girl.” He returned to teach English and piano, attend college … and pursue the relationship. 

Today, that girl is his wife Jade, and they have two daughters — 3-year-old Katie and baby Natalie. He enlisted in the Army to support his family; they’ve been stationed in Fort Drum in New York, and Fort Bliss in Texas between his deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Since he’s already proficient in the language, Adams’ studies focus on Korean culture, history, government, politics and business. He also participates in Ohio State’s ROTC program, and is supported by a Scarlet and Gray Grant and Pell Grant. 

“Everyone at Ohio State has been helpful — the staff in Arts and Sciences, and ROTC,” he said. “And I really have to commend the Office of Veterans Affairs — they’ve been great. They’re so interested, reliable and very understanding.” 

What’s next for Adams? After he finishes his degree in May 2016, he said, “My dream job would be to work in Military Intelligence, and then as a translator or at an Embassy.”

In the meantime, he and his family are enjoying central Ohio. He runs and bikes to stay in shape. Plays a little guitar, piano and ukulele. And has a renewed interest in college football, thanks to the Buckeyes. 
 

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