By Andrea McCray, Middleton High

Keyshlian Ortiz and Angelique Davis are just like other graduating seniors: They are looking forward to getting out of high school and taking the next step into their futures. For these seniors at Middleton High, the future is basic training and the military life. Both have decided to enter the Army, each with their own plans, hopes and aspirations, which they describe here.

Keyshlian Ortiz
I have wanted to go into the military ever since I got into JROTC. I like the military structure of JROTC. I love the drills and the exercising, as well as learning map skills and doing the little things that can help a lot in the military. I want to join the Army and become a multiple launch rocket system specialist, and while I am there, I plan on going to school to get at least a bachelor’s degree in nursing. If I have the opportunity to travel, I hope to gain a broader view of the world and see how other people live.
My plans were put on hold for a while because I didn’t know how my family would take it, or how I could live without going to church and fellowship. When I was making my decision, I thought a lot about my family and what other people would think of my decision, but then I realized that I shouldn’t give a crap about what other people, even my friends, thought about what I was going to do. I made the decision for myself.
My mom and dad think that I may have decided too quickly, but they are very supportive of my decision. My aunt is supportive as well, but she thinks that I should stay home and go to school. I have had people tell me that it isn’t “God’s will” for me to go into the Army, that they don’t see me as “that type” of person, and others just curse the fact that we are fighting an unnecessary war, and they hate the military. My biggest concern about entering the military is facing male discrimination and disrespect. I just hope that I will have enough strength to face those things.
Preparing for the military starts as soon as you sign your contract. I go to Future Soldier Training every Wednesday to learn basic Army fundamentals. There is also a website that every future soldier has to use in order to be prepared. The website teaches us about the customs and courtesies of the military. I signed my contract and swore in back in January, and I am scheduled to leave for basic training on July 23.

Angelique Davis
My grandpa was in the Marines, my grandma worked at West Point and my cousin is a Marine. I grew up around the military. I love the military life; it’s something that will keep me on my toes.
I have already signed my contract and sworn in. Making the decision was easy because it was something that I wanted to do. My family and friends support my decision, and they are just happy that I am doing something with my life. Some people say that I shouldn’t join the Army because they think that I won’t make it through basic training. I plan on joining the active duty Army and becoming a chemical operations specialist. I am going to complete basic training, then AIT (advanced individual training), and then, once I am stationed, I will start college. While I’m in the Army, I hope to travel the world and gain leadership skills/experience.
My only concern about my decision is that I will be away from my grandpa, since he was just diagnosed with lung cancer. I am scheduled to leave for basic training on Oct. 29.