From Special Forces to PA School: How Veteran James Boyer Found a New Mission in Medicine

James Boyer, recipient of the 2025 Veterans Stipend from the Recycling Education and Research Foundation (RERF), enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately after high school. He first served as an infantryman and completed two deployments before seeking to advance his military career. Boyer successfully completed the Special Forces Selection, the Special Operations Combat Medic Course, and the Qualification Course-earning the title of Green Beret and a new specialty.

"Every Green Beret has a specialty," he explained. "Weapons, engineering, communications… I chose to be a medic."

Though there wasn't a single moment that pushed him toward medicine, the experience of treating others left a mark. "I'm kind of a glutton for punishment," he joked. "I wanted the extra challenge. And, after deploying, I wanted to be ready if I was ever in a situation where someone was hurt. I wanted to be able to help."

After the Military

Leaving the military brought an unexpected mix of excitement and uncertainty. "I felt this overwhelming sense of freedom," he recalled. "It was good and bad. I could do whatever I wanted… but I didn't have a hard plan. That was scary."

He took time off-living in an RV for a period-before deciding he needed a clear direction. That direction became a career as a Physician Assistant (PA).

The transition to undergraduate life wasn't easy. "I hadn't been in a traditional classroom in 12 years," he said. Math courses hit hard. But the discipline and time-management skills he developed in the military helped him push through. "I treated education like my job," he added.

There aren't many PA programs in the country; Boyer applied to 10 of them. He interviewed with several and was accepted by three; however, one stood above the rest-Duke University.

"After the interview, Duke was my favorite," he said. "It was the first PA program in the country and the longest running."

Since arriving at Duke, his goals have broadened. Originally planning to pursue emergency medicine, he's now taking each clinical rotation as an opportunity to see what "clicks."

One program already making an impact is Duke Mobile Med, a combination of lectures and volunteer outreach serving individuals experiencing homelessness. "It fits my goals really well," he said. "It's something I want to continue for the rest of my career."

Whether in the Army or the classroom, Boyer says certain skills will serve him well: purpose, follow-through, and effective time management. "Most people who join the military develop a strong sense of motivation and the ability to figure out how to do something and accomplish it," he noted. "Learning now helps you treat people later."

For the Future

Asked what advice he'd give other veterans, James is straightforward: "Have a plan-but make it specific. Don't just say you're going back to school; set the real goal. And if you're using the GI Bill, learn all the numbers. Read the fine print."

He quickly learned that benefits don't cover rent during breaks, like summer or even Christmas. "The devil's in the details," he said. "Learn the exact numbers for your ZIP code. Know the housing allowance. Understand what your school covers and what it doesn't."

When a friend encouraged him to apply for the Veterans Stipend offered by RERF, he didn't expect much. When he got the call that he was the chosen recipient, he was very surprised and very grateful. "The financial support makes a real difference."

His years of service profoundly shaped his sense of identity. "Before the Army, I thought you were just either good or bad at something," Boyer reflected. "Over time, I learned that you can grow and become good. That mindset changed everything for me."

Boyer's story is one of steady growth, expanding purpose, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. His next chapter isn't about combat readiness, but about clinical excellence and the same mission: to help people when they need it most.