“Only one percent of our population today will ever wear the uniform of this nation in any of its incarnations—soldier, sailor, airman, Marine, active, Guard or Reserve … That one percent, those sons, and daughters of our citizens, are the treasure of this nation.”
Those words were uttered by then Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva back in 2018 when Gen. Selva served as the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In America’s all-volunteer armed services, only those called, and willing, to serve do so. No one is forced to join.
In 2022, there were 1.3 million active-duty military personnel, meaning the number of Americans currently answering the call is far less than one percent—more like less than a half percent.
Those willing to answer should be lauded and celebrated for their decision and, it’s with that in mind, that Wheeling Park High School recently held such a celebration.
WPHS recently held its inaugural Military Signing Day to honor 14 of its seniors who will make the transition from civilians to soldiers upon graduation.
Fourteen of Park’s Class of 2023 have already or soon will sign on the line to join their brothers and sisters in service. Those students include 11 future members of the National Guard (Corbin Cutlip, Eddie Connor, DaeShawn Gordon, Gillian Connors, Naliah Lekanudos, Kaden LaShare, Delaney Walter, Christian Bryan, Bre’Onna Milbert, Jaden Palmer, Bryanna Nally); two future air force members in Brooke Carney and Zachary Brady, and one Marine in Alan Rojas.
West Virginia Army National Guard Sgt. Andrea Gump, the school’s military career counselor, who has helped these students along their journeys, spoke during the ceremony.
Each student has walked his or her path that led them to this decision—one none of them undertook lightly.
Most students have “college, college, college” drilled into their heads throughout their scholastic educations. More recently, vocational education has been promoted as a viable alternative future for students.
Military life has always been an option for students to explore. But given the less than one percent of the population currently serving, how and why does a young man or woman decide to make that call?
For WPHS senior Kaden LaShare, he admitted it was a combination of real-world examples, and virtual fun and exploration.
Yes, Kaden plays video games. He’s one of the millions of players of games like Call of Duty, which puts the player in the shoes of an individual in the military, fighting in battles on land, air, and sea. For most, it’s an escape, a release, a chance to unwind and enjoy some free time. But for LaShare, it began to foster a sense of genuine interest in taking those virtual experiences and transforming them into real-world experiences by joining the military.
He’s also met and interacted with many veterans throughout his young life. Their stories, too, helped convince him that a calling to the military was one he seriously considered answering.
He’s just one young man amongst his peers deciding to put his country and his countrymen ahead of himself by answering the call to serve.
Each of these 14 students, and countless like them across the country, has a story of the hows and whys they put pen to paper and signed up.
This is a sneak peek into his.
Who or what first introduced you to the idea of joining the armed services? Where did you first go to get more information and what drew you in to get more info and further consider joining up?
My first introduction to the armed forces was video games. I grew up on Call of Duty and always saw myself potentially being an Army Soldier. Throughout my years I’ve had the privilege of speaking with a few veterans and always greatly enjoyed their stories. They got to see the world, and that was something I had always dreamt of doing.
What set the particular branch apart that you joined from the others? What appealed most to you?
Not going to lie for years I was all for the Marines. Their grunt lifestyle and what seemed to be pure strength. I even talked to a couple of Marines’ recruiters, but the further I dove into the Marines, the more I realized it just wasn’t for me. SGT Gump just happened to be a recruiter we have at Wheeling Park High School, so I reached out and we started discussing some options. I very quickly decided based on her story and who she was, that the National Guard had more to offer based on who I was as a person. Their benefits seem to out way any other branch. They also still have time for a very normal life.
How long did you sign up for/what type of commitment is required for your initial enlistment? Is this something you could potentially see yourself re-upping or getting further involved in?
I will be signing up for a 6-year contract. Your commitment is pretty typical and expected when serving your country. “Defend your state and country”, and help others. I’ve always been one that people called for help so I figured why not do it at a bigger scale. That is one of my bigger reasons for enlisting. I love to help. I definitely see myself re-enlisting.
How will this help you in your career and life down the road?
The National Guard opens up so many different paths and possibilities. They give you something to stand on. It is definitely a good boost into life, and I truly believe it can get you ahead of your peers if you take advantage of the opportunity.
What were your thoughts on WPHS’ doing the enlistment signing ceremony? Who came up with the idea?
I believe SGT Gump came up with the idea for the signing day ceremony. My personal opinion is that the whole thing truly was amazing. It felt good to be recognized for our commitment. I feel as though most schools just push for college, so I am very proud of WPHS as a whole for embracing the kids who decided to enlist in our country’s military.
What would you tell someone weighing their options about potentially enlisting? Were there any initial questions or hang-ups that you had?
If I am completely honest there’s only so much advice you can offer someone when it comes to the military. It really is a huge commitment, and you can’t do it based on what someone else thinks. You just have to be willing to reach out to recruiters and explore your options. Always do your research and be diligent. I truly believe that you will know very quickly whether or not the military is for you. There’s a reason we’re sometimes referred to as the “one percenters”. Anyone who even considers joining the military has my respect for that reason. Commitment, it’s one word but has a huge meaning when it comes to life. If you can give something your all, there’s no doubt you’ll succeed.
