As the year comes closer to an end, students are pushed to plan for their future by deciding on what’s next.

Many have chosen universities and community colleges to further their education, while others have made the decision to serve our country along with continuing their education.

There are five major military branches: the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.

After graduation, students tend to begin their preparation for basic training within the category of their choosing.

In July 2017, Dovile Necitailo is leaving for the army because she said, “I really want to help out the country [by] fighting for it.”

The army helps students with college tuition by allowing them to earn full tuition through scholarships and financial aid programs.

Many factors come into play when students are making the commitment in high school. When asked what her key factors were that helped her decide, Necitailo said, “There [are] a lot of benefits, helping with college is a huge one, but also, I get to be put on a higher rank for the job that I want in the future.”

Jordan Brown is another Lemont student who will be joining the United States Air Force Academy in July. He is truly excited to be continuing his family’s tradition. Brown said, “My father was in the military, and my grandfather, and great-grandfathers, and so on. It’s been a long tradition to serve, and when I found out I could play football at the Academy, it just made sense.”

These big decisions are very exciting to these students with their entire lives ahead of them. Necitailo said, “I’m mostly excited for basic training because I get to [receive] the training I need.”  She plans to hold a position in the Military Police.

Brown said, “I’m excited to be a part of a family. The military has this comradery that is unmatched anywhere else. Being at the Air Force Academy, I’ll just be a part of a group of people who are dedicated to one another.”

Brown also said, “Football was the reason [why] I got interested in the Academy, so besides wanting to serve, the coaches were a big help. They were all amazing, dedicated, and personable people who sounded like they would be not only great coaches, but great role models.”

Planning for the future at a young age is not always easy, and these students are prepared to take on their new adventure. Take the time to thank those who will be serving and have served for the United States.

To learn more about joining the Army, visit www.goarmy.com
[Originally published in the Spring Break print issue of the LHS Tom-Tom]