Job Corps thanks Lockwood for service

Mark Lockwood runs laps at lunchtime with a roped tire harnessed to his torso.

“I have to be in combat shape,” he said, “and this is the quickest way to do it.”

Lockwood is an employee of Chugach Alaska Corp., which oversees the Alaska Job Corps Center in Palmer. He is set to deploy soon and Job Corps students are helping him get in shape.

Basketball at lunchtime for students is a tradition.

“I’m twice their age, but they’re very gracious about choosing and playing with the old guy,” Lockwood said.

Lockwood looks fit. He has a solid smile, which has engraved deep laugh lines on his face. And he jokes around, even about the most serious things. He joined the Navy when he was a young man.

“It was a long time ago,” he said, “back when rocks were soft.”

After four years in the military, he spent the next 17 involved in life, family and various jobs. In 2004, Lockwood started working with the Alaska Job Corps Center. He is a career development specialist who trains and assists students with resumes, job interviews, life skills and career pathways. He has prepared the way for hundreds of students in the water/wastewater treatment, culinary arts, health occupations and behavioral health occupations.

In 2009, Lockwood joined the Air National Guard because he felt public service is a continuing purpose in his life. He received his orders on April 1. He will be going to Afghanistan to work as an air crew flight equipment technician.

“It’s time for me to take my turn,” he said thoughtfully.

Lockwood will take military Leave, which he knows is difficult on employers. “But Job Corps responded with support. It made a hard situation easier,” he said.

Lockwood is getting ready for his service, but he also looks forward to the fall. “I hope to be home in time to take my kids hunting in October.”

Lockwood has a large family that frequently sings and makes music. Lockwood has decided to take a small guitar with him when he deploys.

“My son’s a great guitar player, so my personal challenge is to be as good as him by the time I get back,” he said.

Lockwood has another plan to help his family with the adjustment. For years he has read out loud to his kids every night. This winter they finished “Lord Of the Rings,” and more recently “The Jungle Book.” He knows the lack of these evening rituals will be hard on his family. So Lockwood is planning on making audio files of “Mrs. Frisby and The Rats of Nimh” for the family to play in his absence.

Lockwood has a strong faith, but said he is still humbled by his family’s sacrifice. And he is grateful for all the Alaskans who thank him and wish him well.

“It is an honor and an amazing experience to be thanked,” Lockwood said.

Barbara Hunt is business and community liaison for Alaska Job Corps Center.