Naval commander and CHS alumnus to speak at Baccalaureate Sunday

When the Cairo High School Class of 2019 takes their place for Baccalaureate Sunday afternoon, they will hear a motivational message from a man who was in their shoes just 22 years ago.

Commander Clint Brown is a 1997 graduate of Cairo High School who went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Economics from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2001.

Designated a Naval Aviator in November 2002, Brown is currently a C-130 pilot and serves as Executive Officer for the VR-55 “Minutemen” C-130 Squadron located at Naval Air Station Point Magu in California.

Brown says when he stands before the CHS seniors, he will encourage them to continue their journey and to make sure they include service in their lives.

“Any kind of service,” he said. “It gives back to you more so than just the job of service.”

Using his own experiences, Brown says he hopes to show the students why it is important to care and perform every job well.

In October 2003, Brown was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine, flying the P-3C Orion. He held positions in the Operations, Maintenance and Training department and also served as an instructor pilot.

In February 2007, he was stationed with the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron at Naval Air Station in Jacksonville, Fla., training the next generation of VP pilots.

In January 2010, he transferred to Hawaii where he served as the Naval Air Training and Operating Procedures Standardization (NATOPS) standardization pilot and program manager.

In 2012, he was selected for the Full Time Support Program and flew the C-130 Hercules and serving as the Administration, Maintenance, and Operations Department heads.

For his staff assignment, Brown served with the Office of the Chief of Navy Reserve as Assistant for Personnel Police and Branch Head for Mobilizations, Training and Education Policy.

Commander Brown has a Master of Science in National Security Strategy and Joint Professional Military Education II from the National War College and JPME I from the Air Command and Staff College. He has earned Air Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (5), and other unit and campaign awards.

Brown’s mother, Belinda Cox, is owner/stylist of Cut-Above in Cairo. His father is Ronnie Brown of Sale City, and his step-father is the late Joey Cox of Whigham. Brown and his wife, Erica, are the parents of 2-year-old Clara Jane.

Sunday’s Baccalaureate will take place in the CHS Gymnasium at 2:30 p.m.