Veterans Day Spotlight: Luis Benitez and Roderick Farmer

Over the past 249 years, millions of individuals have sacrificed their time, health, and even their lives to preserve and protect our country. Their sacrifice is honoredby Americans each year on November 11, Veterans Day. In recognition of these often unsung heroes, Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBA) is highlighting two of our student veterans, Luis Benitez and Roderick Farmer. They shared in a Q&A about their journey to PBA and why they chose PBA to help them prepare for life after the military.

Luis Benitez

Luis Benitez served in the U.S. Air Force for 13 years as a flight medic before coming to PBA to pursuehigher education. Benitez is currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Health Scienceat PBA and expects to graduate in November 2026.

What inspired you to join the military?

I wanted to be able to provide my family with a good life. I wanted my son to be able to attend college. When I was looking at options, the military seemed like a good fit. I had a fighting spirit and a love for travel, so it was truly a perfect fit.

What was your experience like in the military?

I feel like I did a lot of growing up while I was in the military. I was a flight medic in the Air Force for 13 years. I learned how to provide medical care to people while in the air. I began to climb ranks. I became an instructor, then an evaluator, and, right before I left the military, I was the head of the Educational Training Department at my hospital in Hawaii.

What brought you to PBA after your military career?

When my time in the military came to an end, I was not sure what I wanted to do next. So, I spent time praying and asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and eventually, He put it on my heart to go into the field of nursing. It was a little odd, because it was the last thing that I wanted to do. I had been a flight medic for 13 years and had already worked my way through the ranks.

I found PBA and applied for the nursing program here. Some time passed, and we didn't hear back from them. My wife and I were getting a little bit worried because we had already begun the process of moving back to Florida. We ended up driving down, and on the way down, my acceptance letter arrived in my email! I went crazy when I got the email! The whole journey was amazing.

Now that your time in the military is complete, what dream are you planning to pursue?

I want to get a business development role in a pharmaceutical company, clinical research company, medical device company, or something like that.

How is PBA helping you make your dreams a reality?

When I started in the nursing program, things did not go as I expected. I talked with Al Andino, PBA's associate registrar of veteran and military services, and he helped me contact Dr. Chris Hickey, who created the PBA Master of Science in Health Science program. Dr. Hickey and I talked, and I told him about my goals. He helped me realize that pursuing a Master of Science in Health Science was the best way to achieve my goals.

Roderick Farmer

Roderick Farmer is another veteran on campus, who served in the U.S. Air Force for 28 years before enrolling at PBA. Roderick is pursuing his bachelor's degree in ministry and master's degree in divinity through PBA's 5-year Accelerated Ministry programand plans to graduate in fall of 2027.

What inspired you to join the military?

My family has a history of working in the military and federal services, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps. It was a little bit of a challenge. I was the youngest child at the time and was seen as a bit of a mama's boy. I wanted to show everyone that I was just as capable as they were. That, and I wanted to get out of the New York suburbs and the 9-to-5 life, but I didn't want to go to college. So, I chose to join the military.

What was your experience like in the military?

I did my basic training in Texas, then I went to Colorado for technical school. After that, I thought I was going to see the world. Instead, I was stationed in New Jersey, where my family lived. I was able to visit home often. The first time I showed up at my family's door, they thought I had gotten kicked out of the military!

What brought you to PBA after your military career?

The Lord told me to quit my job and follow Him while I was in the hospital after spinal surgery. A hospital chaplain came in and affirmed what the Lord had told me. She told me that a year ago, the Lord told her the same thing. So, I left my six-figure hospital job at the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and submitted to God's will for my life. I began looking for schools and found PBA. I wasn't sure, but I made a phone call, and it felt like the right place.

At PBA, I have met some great faculty members like Dr. Brian Shockey and Dr. Jesse Grenz. That, and all my classmates are wonderful, God-inspired students, who, despite my age difference, welcomed me into the PBA family.

Now that your time in the military is complete, what dream are you planning to pursue?

I want to become a chaplain or a pastor. I want to give back and help people and veterans. I have always been about giving back. Even when I was in the military, I gave back by being a volunteer firefighter. There are a lot of veterans who are suffering from various injuries, both mental and physical, and I understand their struggles because I struggle with some of the same things. So, I want to be able to help people overcome and adapt to those challenges through the mercy and blood of Jesus Christ. I want to help them know that they can rely on His power and not just their own, especially when they don't have it.

How is PBA helping you make your dreams a reality?

We start every class with prayer. We invite the Holy Spirit into the room and ask Him to help the students learn and the professors teach. Being prayed over is really helpful because I am 58 and am back in the university setting again. I am starting a whole new path, and prayer helps.

If you are a veteran or the family member of a veteran interested in exploring PBA, contact Veteran Certifying Official Al Andino to learn more about benefits for veterans and how we can walk alongside you in your next calling.