By KRISTIN HODGES

kdh027@latech.edu

 

Adam Terry, The Tech Talk editor from Fall 2001, is the subject of a national story from the Washington Bureau of the Baton Rouge Advocate.

Harrisonburg-born Terry comes off in the article as an outstanding journalist and spokesman for Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-Quitman, but he is even more passionate about politics and the military.

Terry had always wanted to be a part of the military and joining is a lifelong dream, Terry said in a telephone interview with The Tech Talk.

“I want do it while I’m young and get it under my belt,” Terry said.

Joining the Marines has been on his mind and in his heart since his days at Tech, Terry said.

He wanted to join the military right after college, but always had other obligations to fulfill.

Terry worked at The Ruston Daily Leader under Publisher Rick Hohlt after completing his journalism degree at Tech in 2003.

Hohlt said Terry had “all the attributes to be a good journalist, but his passion was politics.”

Hohlt also said Terry started the first political column in the paper’s long history.

Wiley Hilburn, university spokesman and chairman of Tech’s journalism department, said he supports Terry’s decision to join the military.

“I seem to be the only one surprised that Adam has taken this route,” Wiley Hilburn said. “He is one of the best editors I have seen here going back since 1968.”

Terry said being a part of Tech and the journalism department changed his life and helped him accept any challenge.

Terry said working on The Tech Talk and “drinking coffee with Mr. Hilburn every day was the highlight of my college career.”

He met his wife, Jenni Roberson Terry, while on The Tech Talk staff.

Jenni, who was The Tech Talk editor in the summer of 2002, will be taking Adam Terry’s position as press secretary for Alexander.

Tech President Dan Reneau said Terry represented Tech well while in Washington, D.C., and his efforts are appreciated.

“[He is] a very good reporter and a fine individual. He has served well in Washington, D.C.,” Reneau said. “I think he’s the type of individual that will be successful wherever he goes.”

Reneau said Terry is a forward thinking person and is very proud of his Tech connections.

“We are always proud of those who are willing to serve for their country, and this is one of the supreme ways that an individual can serve,” Reneau said.

He said Terry was doing a good job in Washington, but will also make an excellent Marine.

Greg Hilburn, the business editor for the Monroe News-Star and also a Tech journalism graduate, said he has known Terry for about six years and is not surprised by his decision to join themilitary.

“I am not surprised, because it is something he’s always talked about,” Greg Hilburn said. “He just decided to follow that dream.”

Greg Hilburn said Terry has helped keep Rep. Alexander in the forefront of politics in Louisiana.

“I think Adam’s done a tremendous job keeping his congressman connected to constituents through media,” Greg Hilburn said.

Terry said he appreciates all the opportunities on Capitol Hill, but after Alexander’s re-election bid in 2006, he finally has the chance to pursue his passion.

“I am just really excited and nervous about the opportunity,” Terry said. Officer Training School is the only thing he is worried about.

“My number one goal is graduating,” Terry said.

People have been asking him if he is worried about deployment, but Terry said he will worry about that when it comes.

“I love my nation and I want to serve it,” Terry said. Terry said to prepare for the Marines, he has been working out with running, crunches and push-ups.

Terry left for training Jan. 21, and said, “The hardest thing will be missing the Saints game.”