The United States military enjoys a long and glorious history.
In fact, the continental military predates the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. On this July 4th, we look forward to celebrating 250 years of independence. While that holiday traditionally incites visions of cookouts, friends, and family, a quarter of a century of freedom and sovereignty never comes without maintaining and cultivating distinctly American principles. What does that mean, though, in our daily lives? Only soldiers like Jamie Guthrie know the true answer. When Guthrie exited the military, he never gave up service to his country, community, faith, or family. It did not conclude when he transitioned to civilian life, and he is forever a member of a prestigious subset of Americans proudly called veterans and a citizen of Artesia, USA.
Guthrie’s family settled in the community when he entered the 7th grade, and at the age of 19, he enlisted in the United States Navy. After basic training, he served as a Riverine for six years. In that role, he and his compatriots safeguarded waterways from insurgents and defended fellow maritime soldiers and ground troops in hostile waters, deploying twice to Iraq (8- and 7-month tours) where he participated in counterinsurgency operations along the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers.
In 2012, Guthrie transitioned into civilian life and relocated to Artesia, New Mexico, but “transition” is literally translated as “going across,” not changing. Principles of dedication, fortitude, and—of course—service remained not only steadfast but seamlessly converted to his new life in Artesia: a place he recognized had the opportunity for him to build something of his own. As a renewed community member, Guthrie started from the ground up, focusing on community involvement and entrepreneurship.
As a result, Guthrie and his wife, Anna, now own and operate multiple businesses, including Superior Carwash, Limitless Fitness, Southern NM Realty Group, and Inspiration Homes, which serve the daily lives of the community and support the growth of the local economy. Guthrie attributes his success to his faith, support of his wife and family, and discipline and work ethic developed during his time in the military. As corollary, his personal life and professional decisions are continuously guided and influenced by higher concepts of service and membership. Guthrie and his wife are active in the Faith Baptist Church youth group and lead Bible Study. His three children attend Artesia Public Schools, and Guthrie currently sits on the Artesia Country Club Board.
Guthrie—the servant soldier—says it best, “My spiritual goal is to focus on Christ and deepen my relationship with him, which in turn will help me lead my family in His ways and lead other people to Him, and Artesia has always been my home. It’s a great place to work, and it’s a great place to raise a family.” If you see Mr. Guthrie on the street, thank him for his prior and continuous service!
Article written by Dr. Jonathan M. Wilson and originally published in Focus on Artesia 2026 Summer edition.
Dr. Jonathan M. Wilson
Dr. Jonathan M. Wilson is the Dean of Teaching and Learning and an Associate Professor of English at Southeast New Mexico College. He holds a PhD in English Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington with emphases in 19th and 20th century American Literature, Rhetoric and Writing, and Literary Theory and a specialization in Native American Literature(s). He completed his BA and MA in English Studies at Eastern New Mexico University. Courses taught include Professional and Technical Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, Writing in the Humanities and Social Sciences with emphasis on American Culture and Society, and Narrative Theory and Discourse. As Dean, he manages, evaluates, and implements assessment practices and processes, fosters a culture of reflection, and advocates and provides professional development opportunities for faculty.
