WASHINGTON — At the start of the year, Second Lt. Samuel Whitehead got a consequential call in the middle of teaching his high school math class.
"I was actually in my fifth period class when I got the call saying, 'Hey Lt. Whitehead, it’s go time.' And I remember I called the principal’s office and I said, 'Hey I need somebody to cover my classroom,'" he said.
A platoon leader with the Kentucky Army National Guard, Whitehead was among those summoned to protect the Capitol after rioters stormed the complex in January.
"I certainly thought it was possible but of course, when you see something like that and you know that the Guard is coming up and you see an activation coming up, you think, "Oh geez, what are the chances that I could be a part of this?'" Whitehead said.
Although he’s on a new mission in Washington, he hasn't forgotten his responsibilities in the Bluegrass state.
Whenever he can break away from duty, Whitehead will Zoom with his algebra and geometry students at Rowan County Senior High School in Morehead.
"They are supportive. They know that what I do is important," Whitehead said. "I coach two sports as well. They wear a uniform too. They have a duty to their teammates just like I do. They understand."
Among them is senior Abigail Stamper, who will attend Morehead State University in the fall. She credits Whitehead, in part, for helping her get to the finish line.
"If you don’t get how to figure out a problem this way, he’ll say, 'OK well try this.' He shows a variety of different ways to solve problems. He’s very helpful. He’s very understanding," Stamper said.
About 60% of Rowan high school seniors go on to college.
"She’s a hard worker. She does a fantastic job. Meets deadlines," said Whitehead.
Whitehead sees parallels in his work in Washington and in the classroom.
He said not all students are college-bound like Stamper, but it's his job to make sure they have as many options as possible.
"My favorite part of my job is taking care of soldiers. Just like it is in the classroom, my favorite part of that job is taking care of students and giving them what they need to be successful," Whitehead said.
The National Guard has been requested by Capitol Police until May 9, which would allow him to return home in time to see his students graduate.
Two missions accomplished, for this teacher and soldier.