PHOTOS BY JUSTIN GRAHAM PHOTOGRAPHY
Mars Area High School Class of 2006 graduate Philip Armstrong has been featured on the television show “ Blood Ivory ,” which premiered on Animal Planet in September 2017 .
The show follows the work of VETPAW — Veterans Empowered To Protect African Wildlife — a group of veterans who train park rangers and reserve owners to prevent the poaching of elephants and rhinoceroses in Tanzania . Armstrong was a member of the VETPAW team during the filming of the program .
Armstrong entered the Mars Area School District in eighth grade . His after-school activities included mountain bike racing , wrestling , hockey and pole vaulting , and his favorite teachers were Jim and Erin Sloane . “ They are quality people and have been my friends throughout life , always looking to challenge me to be a better person ,” he says . “ They have helped guide and mentor me since high school .”
Following graduation , Armstrong attended Butler County Community College , earning an associate degree in business management . He enlisted and served for six years in the U . S . Air Force , completing four tours in Afghanistan ( one on active duty and three as a military consultant ), earning both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star Medal with valor .
Armstrong graduated from Kaplan University in the fall of 2017 with a bachelor ' s degree in environmental policy and management . He ’ s looking to continue his education at Harvard University in pursuit of a master ’ s degree in sustainability . Armstrong also holds an International Board of Specialty Certification ( IBSC ) and the Board for Critical Care Transport Paramedic Certification ( BCCTPC ) as a flight paramedic , and a University of New Mexico Paramedic Certification .
Following his brief association with VETPAW , he founded his own nonprofit — Ambassadors of World
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