I’m on a bus from Midway Airport back to Indiana. I’m tired and want to be home. I don’t want to talk to anyone. And then it happened. I had to switch buses and there stood a U.S. Army soldier. I walked over, shook his hand and thanked him for his service. The bus I was waiting for was late so I decided to stand and chat with him. It’s amazing what you can learn about someone in ten minutes.
He just finished basic training in GA and he’s only 17 years old. His parents had to sign off on him entering the military because of his age. He is entering his senior year of high school so while his friends were having fun this summer he was in training. After he graduates he’ll head to OK for more training and then back to Indiana where he’ll be stationed.
He joined the military because it’s in his blood and something he has always wanted to do. His father and grandfather were both in military. And not only is he going to do his four years, but he wants to make a career out of it. It’s his goal to become an officer some day.
I was so impressed with this young man. God bless his parents for allowing him to follow his dream. I thank him and all of our men and women for their service and sacrifice.