It is a common saying that children are the future of society. Children, youth, and students play a significant role in developing their community. However, results can differ if the children walk on a troubled path. These at-risk young adults can succumb to drug addiction, crime, or self-destruction. The mentality of young adults is in the developing stage. If they are in bad surroundings, they learn negative things, which brings self-destruction, and the entire community is affected. Similarly, when the youth get the right mentorship and sit among educated individuals, they tend to embrace positivity, improve their lifestyle, stabilize families, and positively affect society. The at-risk youth need true educational leaders and mentors who can provide them constructive exposure and guide them to walk on the right path. One prominent example comes from Julius Paul Montgomery, a community hero and mentor who has served 21 years in the U.S. Army.
Mentors can belong to any profession. Primarily, they are teachers, advisors, and leaders who guide about careers, opportunities, jobs, graduate schools, and life choices. Above all, mentors are role models and true motivators who have a firm belief in their mentees. They see the potential in youth and enable them to reach where they want to go. Many students and young adults are deprived of mentorship. They have no idea which career path to choose and what steps they should take to hit the heights of success.
Studies show that the brain continues to grow, mature, and develop during childhood and adolescence. At this stage of brain development, children are more likely to misinterpret society cues and be involved in fights and risky behaviors. Youths of every society are vulnerable to going in the wrong direction, so they need mentors to differentiate between wrong and right. Mentors cannot expedite their brain development process or force a child to make healthy decisions. But they can share their experience, views, advice, and knowledge. Plus, they can leave a positive influence on their minds. Mentors can help young people prevent negative behaviors, stay on the right track, and achieve success by sharing new exposures with them.
Various studies show that 59% of mentored youth achieve better grades. Mentored teenagers are less likely to begin alcohol, and there is a rare chance that they will skip school. Youth with proper mentorship are more likely to go to college, show better attitudes towards education, and improve emotional development and self-esteem.
Julius Montgomery was born on July 19, 1941, in Clermont, Florida. He is a retired Operations Sergeant in the U.S. Army. Currently, he is working to provide exposure and a better educational platform for the at-risk youth in society. He understands that education is the only solution to change the fate of youth and society. Through his non-profit organization, Hero’s Club, Montgomery provides quality education exposure to the youth. The retired U.S. Army Sergeant founded Hero’s Club on June 19, 2019, intending to mentor at-risk youth and help them face challenges and become successful citizens.
Julius achieved his High School GED in 1960. Later he went to Columbus College to earn his A.A. degree. In 1986, he achieved his Master’s degree from the University of S.C.
Montgomery started his journey in the U.S. Army in 1959. After serving 21 years in the Army, he retired in 1980. Throughout his tenure in the Army, he gave his services in numerous positions. Julius was deployed in Vietnam as an Operations Sergeant in a tank company. Montgomery’s responsivity required him to provide direction for combat operations. He coordinated with engineers, infantry, helicopters, and other combat factors involved in the operation. Montgomery’s tank company was then honored as Vietnam’s number one tank. Plus, the company achieved all the milestones beyond its call of duty, which enabled the company to receive a President Unit Citation.
After Vietnam, Julius was deployed in the DMZ of North and South Korea, where he served as an Army Operations Sergeant and a Senior Noncommissioned Officer. He also served as an Operation Sergeant for a top-secret nuclear program that was directly linked to Washington. Montgomery also served as an Army Recruiter and later became Recruitment Supervisor. While working in the recruitment department, Julius built strong connections with community groups, schools, and students. The job developed his interest in being an educational leader and mentor for doing something special for the community.
For his meritorious services in the Army, he received various recognitions and awards, including Vietnam Service Medal, Army Accommodation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and President Unit Citation.
Paul founded Hero’s Club intending to provide mentorship to underserviced communities. The organization provides quality educational exposure to at-risk young adults studying in grades 6 to 8. He works with other volunteers and mentors to provide exposure to the community students.
