Marine Scholar Spotlight: Landon

While serving in Iraq, Corporal Patrick Myers, Landon’s stepfather, lost both his legs in an I.E.D. explosion. His service and the journey of his recovery had a profound impact on Landon. Landon said, “The sacrifice and dedication to his country that Patrick showed during his service exemplify what it means to me to be a Marine. However, Corporal Myers, or Patrick to me, is way more than just a Marine to me. He is a father and a friend. Patrick sets a great example for me and my four brothers by passing on qualities that he learned as a Marine to us. He exemplifies what it means to be a father and influences everyone around him to want to become a better person every day.”

A four-time scholarship recipient, Landon will graduate from the Colorado School of Mines in December with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Thanks to his scholarship, Landon was able to attend his dream university and will be the first member of his family to graduate with a college degree.

Corporal Myers’ recovery inspired Landon in many ways, including his interest in Mechanical Engineering. Corporal Myers told us that Landon was always eager to help with his prosthetics and wheelchairs and was also interested in how they worked. During his time at the Colorado School of Mines, Landon has studied in the design lab on a variety of projects, including creating prosthetics.

Outside of his studies, Landon is the captain of the Handball team, which won National Collegiate Handball Championships in 2019 and 2020. Landon is also a leader in the campus community, where he has volunteered with the Student Community Reach Out; one volunteer project that meant a lot to Landon was working with elementary schools. He told us, “it has always been important to me to positively influence the younger generation.”

After he graduates, Landon will have many opportunities available to him. He knows he wants to pursue a career helping others—whether that is designing and building affordable housing, bringing clean water to communities in need or designing prosthetics and other accessibility aids. Honor, Courage and Commitment shaped Landon’s educational journey and will shape his future career.

Listen to Landon, Corporal Myers and Mrs. Myers discuss the impact of Landon’s scholarship below: