Joining the military is an honorable and prestigious thing to do. The armed services offer a wide variety of branches, and so many opportunities. Each year, a handful of Knoch students take the leap and enlist. I only got the chance to speak to a few of my fellow classmates about their future in the military, but I would like to thank anyone/everyone who makes this sacrifice to serve our country. What you do for us does not go unnoticed.
Aubrie Faust- United States Army
*When did you decide to join?
“I have always been interested in joining any kind of military service. My friends, family, and mentors are the reasons why I was able to make this dream of mine achievable. “
*Why did you decide to join the military?
“I first decided a long time ago that I wanted to serve my country in some way, either in law enforcement or the military.”
*How long do you plan to stay?
“I don’t have a set time for when I want to leave. I’ll serve the time I have to then see where it leads me.”
*What are your future plans to help you achieve these goals?
“I plan on attending Edinboro University to participate in Army ROTC. I received a scholarship and I am looking forward to the program.”
“One of my favorite quotes, which I have to remind myself constantly is, ‘There is no passion to be found in settling for a life less than the one we are capable of living.’”
Cole Coddington- United States Marine Corps
*When did you decide to join?
“I enlisted in July of 2016 and I have wanted to be a Marine since middle school.”
*Why did you decide to join the military?
“To help fight against terrorism.”
*What made you decide on this certain branch of the military?
“Both of my grandfathers were Marines. The Marine Corps is the worlds finest fighting force and I wanted to be the best person I could be.”
*How long do you plan on staying?
“Either four years or 20 years, I haven’t decided yet.”
*What are your future plans to help you achieve these goals?
“I leave for boot camp July 24. It’s a 13 week program in Paris Island, South Carolina. After that I will go to Marine combat training for a month. Then I will go to my military occupational specialty school to become a motor transport operator. If I complete all of this I will achieve my goal of becoming a United States Marine.”
Dylan Plutyk- United States Air Force
*When did you decide to join?
“I decided that the military was for me halfway through junior year. It wasn’t always my plan but I feel that I am not the type of guy for college.”
*Why did you decide to join the military?
“I feel that I can do more than go sit at school for however many years. I love the feeling of helping and protecting people. Also, it’s the closest thing to being a Super Hero.”
*What made you decide on this certain branch of the military?
“My family has been a part of the Air Force in the past. The Air Force to me has the most benefits in the long run, and I really enjoy how they run things compared to other branches.”
*How long do you plan on staying?
“I plan on making a career out of the Air Force and staying until I retire at 35 years old.”
*What are your future plans to help you achieve these goals?
“I leave for basic training on July 11, and I will be there for seven and a half weeks. After that I go to my tech school and train for two years to become a pararescueman.”
“Joining the military can help anyone who doesn’t really know what they want to do in the future. There is so many opportunities with it.”
Emily Govan- United States Marine Corps
*When did you decide to join?
“When I got in trouble. I originally wanted to go to Slippery Rock and become a teacher.”
*Why did you decide to join the military?
“I feel like me going to college means going to jail, so I need some discipline before I go.”
*How long do you plan on staying in?
“I am signing for the minimum, then I’ll sign for more when I make more definite future plans.”
*What are your future plans to help you achieve these goals?
“Basic training, then hopefully jump school.”
Maura Thinnes- United States Army
*When did you decide to join?
“I decided over the summer to join the military. It just hit me that this is what I wanted to do with my life. It honestly encompasses everything that interests me which is why it’s so perfect.”
*Why did you decide to join the military?
“They have a multitude of opportunities that interest me. I have always been drawn to leadership and important positions and this path allows me to fulfill my career goals. I am also looking forward to serving my country.”
*What made you decide on this certain branch of the military?
“They seemed to be the most organized and well established program. Plus they offered certain opportunities that other branches didn’t.”
*How long do you plan on staying?
“I will be involved in the Army ROTC program for my four years at Pitt then I will graduate as a Second Lieutenant and have a four year obligation after college. I don’t know if I will be staying in for extra years or not at this point.”
*What are your future plans to help you achieve these goals?
“I will attend Pitt for four years, serve my post college four years in the reserves and hopefully work a civilian career in the FBI or some form of intelligence/investigative position.”
