Name: Brad Hamilton
Graduation Year: 1998
What high school did you attend: Fairmont
In what branch(es) of the military did you serve? US Army
What experiences prepared you for the military while attending Fairmont?
The first thing that comes to mind is diversity. Look around Kettering! We are truly a melting pot of people! From cultural to economical, we have such a variety of people, I was not culture shocked like some soldiers that were first experiencing a Muslim person, or even a Black person. Crazy that exists today.
Growing up in Kettering, and attending school throughout the entire time in the district, and playing football with the same group of guys taught me how much hard work, determination, and being part of a team pays off. Being part of a team isn’t just showing up. Everyone has a part to play, and it’s your job to play yours the best. You have to put in the work. I’m proud to be part of the 1997 football team that is featured in Trent Arena. I am proud to be a Firebird. Just like I proud to be an Army Veteran. It’s part of who I am.
What would I tell anyone considering the military?
RUN AWAY! No I’m kidding! But do run… Get your behind in shape! Make sure it’s something you want to do. And know that not everyone goes into combat. There are many ways to serve in the military. We have Space Force for goodness' sake! Don’t make any rash decisions. Look at each branch and find one that fits if military service is how you want to proceed after school. I would really recommend going to college, getting your degree, even maybe doing ROTC of some sort before enlisting. If you have a four-year degree, you go into the military at E4. If you have an ROTC completion, you go in as an officer. These are things I wish I knew.
What is something people may not know about you?
After the Army, I worked in the automotive field. I started as a lube tech, and worked my way all the way to the top as a GM. I did automotive management, seven as a General Manager. Wore suits everyday… and I hated it.
After the Army, I worked in the automotive field. I started as a lube tech, and worked my way all the way to the top as a GM. I did automotive management, seven as a General Manager. Wore suits everyday… and I hated it.
Why do you stay connected to the Kettering City Schools?
The kids have completely captured my heart. I’m proud to tell people that I’m a teacher for Kettering, and my wife is too! We feel the same way about the students. We feel like we have a responsibility to educate and keep them safe.
The kids have completely captured my heart. I’m proud to tell people that I’m a teacher for Kettering, and my wife is too! We feel the same way about the students. We feel like we have a responsibility to educate and keep them safe.
Who or what influenced you most during your time as a student in Kettering?
Crissy Lauterbach: All three years of high school, I was her student assistant. She talked to me not so much as an equal, but with respect and truly with the interest of me growing as a person. She talked me into running track, which made me excel at football. She was an amazing ear to lean on when you needed someone to talk to and knew she wouldn’t judge you, but also give you her opinion.. Whether you liked it or not. All of these years later, and she and her husband are dear friends. Oh… and Mr. Kuntz at Van Buren!!!
Crissy Lauterbach: All three years of high school, I was her student assistant. She talked to me not so much as an equal, but with respect and truly with the interest of me growing as a person. She talked me into running track, which made me excel at football. She was an amazing ear to lean on when you needed someone to talk to and knew she wouldn’t judge you, but also give you her opinion.. Whether you liked it or not. All of these years later, and she and her husband are dear friends. Oh… and Mr. Kuntz at Van Buren!!!
Life since Fairmont...
Disabled Army Veteran, NRA Instructor and RSO, Personal security instructor, ASE Technician, Ordained Minister, Award winning chef and owner of Brad’s on the Go!, and proud substitute teacher!
Disabled Army Veteran, NRA Instructor and RSO, Personal security instructor, ASE Technician, Ordained Minister, Award winning chef and owner of Brad’s on the Go!, and proud substitute teacher!
After the Army, I came back to Kettering and married my high school sweetheart, Bethany Cornett. We have an 18 year old son. His name is Brock. He is attending WSU for mechanical engineering. I am the proud owner of Brad’s on the Go!, an award winning food truck that I started right after Covid. I use that platform to help Kettering. The first two years of operation, I donated over $2,000 in professional attire to Fairmont, along with an $800 guitar that I donated to the Jazz Band. Last year my focus was on the littles. I donated a house, books, and tons of toys to the classes at KECEC.
I started subbing three years ago. I came home to find Bethany very emotional by her computer. She was having a very hard time finding a sub for her class. The next thing you know, I’m in a kindergarten class at Orchard Park! I went to kindergarten at Orchard Park! Initially I started subbing for the teachers, now I do it for the kids. I walk into those schools and the kids shout “Mr. B is here!” It’s an incredible feeling that I never felt in the Military or other industries that I’ve worked in. These kids are special, and I love subbing.
What career advice would you give recent high school graduates?
This is going to sound cliche’, but be happy with you job! Doing something you hate every day is ridiculous, and too many of us never learn this lesson!
This is going to sound cliche’, but be happy with you job! Doing something you hate every day is ridiculous, and too many of us never learn this lesson!
Share a favorite memory of your time in Kettering Schools:
Wow… There are a lot. Football was always on my mind. I was ok, but I was surrounded by some great players that elevated my play. Proud to be part of that 1997 WOL Championship. But I got to marry my high school sweetheart. We never split, always together even through the Army. Without Fairmont, I have no clue what my life would be like. I love Kettering, and our schools.
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