Space Force Colonel Laurel Walsh visits Oakcrest

 

“For me, I’ve really found a sense of purpose in serving my country and doing the things that I’ve done,” Col. Walsh said. “Within Space Operations, I value the space environment and I want to keep it safe for all of you and our country.”

Col. Walsh visited Oakcrest on March 27, speaking to the entire student body, visiting science classes, and meeting with science and mathematics faculty members. She met individually with the AP Biology and AP Physics classes, as well as the entire sixth grade. 

Col. Walsh shared with the students the excitement within the Space Force as they work to get back to the Moon, and even on to Mars in the future. “It’s amazing seeing such energy and excitement around space,” she said. 

“The Space Force is charged with keeping things safe and secure in space,” Col. Walsh explained, noting that the Space Force seeks to establish rules of behavior in space and leverage the use of space for the country’s national security. This work plays an essential role in protecting citizens’ way of life and the current economy. 

In her current role, Col. Walsh leads U.S. Space Force students and faculty at the National Defense University and serves as a representative on space matters to the President of the National Defense University. Teaching the Space Industry study program, her class seeks to link industries with the military, visiting space industries and government entities to understand the gaps in the needs of both the Space Force and the industry. 

Col. Walsh shared with the students her path from attending Officer Training School two years after graduating from college to her present service, through the past two decades that have taken her far and wide with numerous opportunities for leadership and education. “The military can take any background and give them the tools they need to succeed,” she shared. “I’ve enjoyed that the military has given me a variety of experiences.” 

Oakcrest students were curious about what makes people curious about space, with Sara N. ‘30 asking Col. Walsh, “What do you think fascinates people about space?”

“I think it is the unknown discoveries that are yet to be made and the research possibilities,” Col. Walsh answered. “There are many opportunities for space exploration, and there are many unknowns.” 

In addition to sharing about her military experiences with the Air Force and the Space Force, Col. Walsh left the students with this practical advice: “Leave a place better than you found it. Work hard; Don’t give up. Always do your best. If you see something that needs to be fixed, be the solution to fix it.” 

Thank you for visiting, Col. Walsh!