From Peer to Patriot

“The passion started [about] six or seven years ago. One year, during the summer, I took my Young Eagles Flight at EAA, up in Oshkosh. I got the opportunities at a couple points, to control the plane… It felt so great. The view was so astonishing that… I grew an interest… to be a pilot. [My] thought was, “let’s join the Air Force!”

I talked to a couple people about it, including my dad. I realized that being a pilot in the Air Force is very difficult. So, I decided I wanted to be a Marine. I stuck with that for [about] a year. [I wasn’t] able to proceed much into it. I decided to start by talking to the Navy.

My dad and I drove to the West Bend recruiting center. I took a practice ASVAB test, which assesses you in several areas for job placement. After that, we talked with some Army representatives. One hour and 40 minutes with two recruiters later, I had the real ASVAB scheduled.

Then, I enlisted into the Army, as a future active duty soldier, with a focus on Geospatial Intelligence Imagery analyst. MEPS, where you enlist, was terrible.

When I began swearing to defend this country, chills ran down my body. I couldn’t believe I finally was becoming part of such an honorable family.

The driving force behind my interest was my best friend Mike. He’s in the Army Reserves, serving as a military police. I’ve looked up to him my whole life. I’ve always wanted to be like him. He’s basically a brother. I followed his path to be a soldier.

I’m very patriotic. I will stand in front of those whom I care for and in front of those I’m close to. I’ll fight for this country and put my life on the line. I’ll do whatever it takes to keep my friends and family safe.

Whenever I say the pledge at a football game, or any other event, I purposely zone out. I stare at the flag. I say the pledge– I get chills from it.

Now, it’s not just me staring at a flag that waves through wind. Now, it’s me staring at a flag I will soon be representing and protecting.

I ship out to bootcamp on June 28– Fort Jackson, South Carolina.” (Logan Wouters, senior)