TCH News

Issue date: 1/22/07 Section: Community Spotlight

Media Credit: REUTERS/Atef Hassan

About three years ago, several local boys graduated high school and decided to join the Army together.  The young men were nervous. Their nervousness, however, was overpowered by their ambition to take part in the making of history and being young heroes.  Now, nearly three years later, the young men have returned for a week or so before the holidays and have shown a whole new side of themselves.

 A young private, who wished for his name not to be mentioned, was not the best high school student.  He received average to below average grades and barely graduated.  He decided to join the Army in hopes to help find himself and create some goals for his life.  He did not feel that continuing his education right out of high school was a smart decision.  He felt he needed the army to help him become a strong, disciplined young man.

Now, when speaking to the young private, he looks you in the eye and stands up straight.  He is focused on the conversation and speaks with intelligence and confidence.  He says that when his term is up he might attend a four year college to pursue a degree in business management.          
Jill is a class of 2006 high school graduate who decided to join the Navy.  On a recent trip back home she got together with friends and family and regaled about her experiences in the Navy.  Even though Jill was raised in a relatively strict Christian home, she still found herself caught up in some minor trouble in high school.  Being a part of the Navy was always something Jill wanted to do.  She wanted to be a part of a special group of people who serve their country and she has always wanted to see different parts of the world.  This was her ticket out of Sussex County, however, she will never forget where her home is.

So what affect does joining the forces have on local young adults?  The few years after high school can be very difficult for some young adults.  There are many important decisions that have to be made and sometimes they have to be made under a lot of pressure.  Joining the Army or the Navy is another option for young adults who are confused about where or if they want to pursue higher education.  The Army and the Navy can, in many cases, instill confidence and the ideals of respect in young adults.  Many of our young troops come back stronger and more disciplined than the days of high school they left behind.

                                   

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