After high school, students often choose the traditional college, trade school or workforce routes as their life’s next step. But among those students are a few who choose to fulfill the call to serve our nation.
Senior Gavin Jones decided to enlist into the Marine Corps because of his dad who became the biggest influence in his decision.
“My dad was a Marine,” Jones said. “So it has always been a childhood dream of mine to serve.”
Jones never had any doubt about going into the military, and his dad offered even more peace of mind about his decision to join the Marines.
“I really had no interest in any other branch.” Jones said. “My dad always spoke so highly of Marines. He always tells me never to cut myself short, so I joined the best.”
Jones wants to be a part of the action to serve the country he loves so dearly.
“I want to protect it,” Jones said. “I believe this is what I was meant to do and this is my way of giving back to the country and its people.”
Senior Caleb Felker also decided to join the Marine Corps and just like Jones, he always knew his purpose was to serve the military.
“I wanted to make sure that I do something meaningful with my abilities after high school and to have a way to get a college education debt free,” Felker said.
Before he knew he wanted to be a Marine, Felker had interests in the Navy SEALs.
“[The Marines] project themselves with much more authority and self respect than any other branch,” Felker said. “Their presence is much more outstanding then any other branch I’ve talked to and they are the most physically demanding branch.”
Felker encourages anyone who is considering going into the military to join.
“Join without a doubt,” Felker said. “It will be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make and will set yourself up for the rest of your life. You’ll give yourself a solid foundation for whatever career you choose to do once you’re out, and get advantage to many financial benefits.”
