While many local young people graduating from high school prepare for college and others look for work, there is a small group who have been preparing for military service.
Six of them who are joining the Army were recognized and honored at an American Legion Post #44 gathering this past week.
All but one of them have officially signed, with one prepared to in the next few weeks.
Once the recruits enlisted, they began a Future Soldier Training program, which meets for 60-90 minutes per week until they head to Basic Training.
“We go over what will happen in Basic Training – marching, formations, physical training. We’re getting them ready,” said Staff Sergeant Kody Welch. Each recruit must meet a specific fitness level assigned to the job they have selected.
Some enlisted following a family tradition of military service, others because they believe the promised benefits will help them attain their long-term goals.
Makenzie Horrall, a Kosciusko High School graduate, will train as a Unit Supply Specialist.
“My dad served in the First Cavalry - Army, before I was born. I would make him proud by joining. He has a big case full of things and I look at that,” she said. “He figured I would enjoy it and it benefits me later in life.”
Brooklyn Witman, who is graduating from Ethel High School this week, will be joining an Airborne unit.
“My dad served 30 years and he’s still in. It means a lot to me to serve my country,” she said.
Trakeisha Hall, who graduated Friday from Kosciusko High School, decided to join the military when she was in junior high school.
“I knew my moms wouldn’t be able to pay for my schooling,” she said. She will enter the Culinary training program.
“I’ve always been a cook; it’s been a natural for me,” she said of her choice.
Desiree Winters, whose family has no particular military history, views her service as a stepping stone.
“I will receive benefits from it if I choose to go to college later,” she said. “I may go into the medical field.”
Alyssa Myers, another Kosciusko graduate, said her family played a role in her joining on two different levels.
“My great-grandfather served in World War II, my grandfather served in Vietnam, and my step-father was in the Navy,” she said. She, too, will be entering the Culinary program because, “I love to cook and my family always wants me to do the cooking.”
J.B. Vazquez, who plans to enter the Multimedia Illustration program, was convinced to join by Kosciusko classmate Myers.
“She convinced me to join because they pay for your school,” said Vazquez. “You have to think long-term instead of in the moment.”
