Called to Action
While most seniors have chosen the college path, Justin Perry follows his dream of joining the army By Brianna Morgan
S
ince Justin Perry was just a kid, he has known that the army life was for him. Justin’s cousin joined the military when Justin was just nine years old, and he looked up to his cousin for that decision and knew that’s what he also wanted to do when he grew up. After months of preparing for this exact moment, Justin will pack up his things and leave for basic training on Aug. 11. “I just like the whole concept of being in the military,” Justin said. “It’s so exciting just working with a team like that. I just really can’t wait to go.” Justin enlisted on Jan. 31 and has been going to Young Soldiers Training at the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) building in St. Louis since February. After someone enlists in the military they are required to go to Young Soldiers Training every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. until they leave for basic training. At Young Soldiers Training, they start off with a run and then do as many push-ups and sit-ups as they can. The trainees also perform other various exercises in order to get in the best physical state possible. Many trainees find that Young Soldiers Training is extremely helpful in preparing for the military. “I think it get’s you fit and makes you look at what boot camp is actually going to be like for you and see just how bad it will be and how they treat you,” senior Areli Lara, who is going into the Marines and is friends with Justin, said. While trying something new usually brings apprehensions to many, Justin feels nothing but excitement for this new stage in his life. With friends and family by his side to support his decision to join the army, Justin is more sure than ever that this is the right choice for him. “I think it’s a good thing for Justin to do because when he goes into the military he’s going to get a good jump start on a career after leaving the military, unless he decides to stay in the military for 20 years or so and make it a career there,” art teacher Paul Just, who instructs Justin for most of the day and is close to him, said. “When he gets out he can move on to doing some other types of things in mechanics as well. I think it will help him to focus a lot and to become a really good member of society.” Although most students have chosen to attend a four-year university and continue into their career, Justin has chosen to take advantage of the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act, more commonly referred to as the G.I. Bill. The G.I. Bill will pay for Justin’s education in mechanics for lightwheeled vehicles and eventually allow him to land a secure job, not only in the military, but also as a civilian once he decides that his time in the army is over. “I’m tired of this stage of my life,” Justin said. “I’m excited to start this new stage. It’s always fun to try something new. This is something I’ve always wanted to try my whole life.”
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