A 2012 graduate of Orange High School, Julian Turner was destined to fill a leadership role.
The two-time captain of the Lions’ basketball team and one year captain of the football squad also participated in the school’s Minority Leadership Program and was a member of the National Honors Society.
Last month, Turner graduated from the United States Naval Academy and soon will report to Sasebo, Japan where he will spend two years as an officer onboard the USS Germantown.
“Following the feeling of shock and disbelief that I had actually survived the United States Naval Academy, I was overwhelmed with an immense feeling of responsibility,” Turner said of completing his studies. “Having played sports my whole life, I still think post-graduation is the most nervous and excited I have ever been in my life. Being able to serve was a relatively new concept to me but I have quickly learned it is one of the highest honors one can receive.”
Turner, who recorded 14 career touchdowns and picked off 12 passes on defense for the Lions, also considered Akron University, Lehigh, Mercyhurst and Oberlin College before choosing to attend the Naval Academy.
Little did he know he followed in his mother’s footsteps.
“The military was always a foreign concept to me because growing up I never really encountered anything that had to do with the military,” Turner said. “I later found out my mom was in the National Guard, but she never talked about it.”
Turner spent one year at the Navy’s prep school before suiting up for the Midshipmen from 2014-2016.
“Ultimately, I chose the Naval Academy because it offered (Division I) football, a great education comparable to Ivy league schools, a chance to maximize my leadership abilities, free education and job stability and an overall challenge,” Turner said. “Little did I know what I was getting into.”
In Annapolis, Turner often felt isolated and even imprisoned.
“I know that carries a negative connotation but it was really due to the, ‘Everything is earned, not given,’ mentality,” he said. “As a freshman and sophomore you learn to operate under many restrictions such as you can’t wear civilian clothes’ you can’t have your own car until junior year; you can only walk in certain areas of campus, hence the feeling of being imprisoned. The countless rigors built into the system of the academy fostered a ‘Sink or swim’ environment, so it is very ironic that you metaphorically and physically soon learned to swim.”
Turner also faced challenges on the football field.
A standout wide receiver at Orange, Turner suited up for a Navy squad that attempted just 410 passes during his three-year varsity career.
“Interestingly enough, I think my most playing time was during my sophomore year and that was as a starting member of special teams,” Turner said. “Aside from that, I was sprinkled in a couple games here and there over the years. For those that don’t know, they like to joke that Navy wide receivers are just an extension of the offensive line. We opened up our passing game slightly this year, but for the most part that is true. At 6-foot, 2-inches and 190 pounds soaking wet, I just wasn’t what they were looking for.”
Despite the challenges on and off the field, Turner accomplished his goal of leaving the Academy with a degree in Economics and a bright future.
“I am 100-percent a product of where I am from, more specifically the people I come from,” Turner said. “My dad and I both would say I was raised by a village, so I am very proud of where I am from and who I grew up around. With that being said, my heart is more fulfilled that I get to represent where I come from than actually becoming an officer. That mindset may or may not shift slightly over time, but right now as a novice, I am happy I can make the individuals who aided in my development proud. I can only hope to be a role model, example or icon to all my younger family and friends.”
Turner is obligated to serve five years in the Navy but he plans to make a career out of his service.
“As of right now, I plan to make a career out of the Navy because it has been my goal for a while now to lead people and impact lives,” he said. “Also, the higher in the rank structure I get, the more CEO-type experience I acquire. However, if I do get out, I can see myself working for the private sector or government in another capacity.”
