FOR THE GREATER GOOD OF THE COUNTRY

By DYLAN SPAULDING 

Throughout the halls of WHS are emerging heroes who are planning to protect our nation from harm's way upon graduation.  A select few have made the honorable decision to join the Armed Forces to represent all that America stands for.  These few come from humble beginnings and are prepared to sacrifice what they love for the good of their country.  Some will be shipping out to basic training shortly after graduation while others plan to join upon finishing college.

DYLAN SPAULDING FOR THE WIZARD WEEKLY

Washingtonville’s very own Army JROTC Lieutenant Colonel, Anthony Witte, plans to enter into the service upon graduation.  He knows that he has big shoes to fill as his grandfather led the fight against the Axis Powers in World War II.  “He was a career Officer in the Marine Corps and also a recipient of the Purple Heart as he was injured in battle.  He’s my true inspiration for joining the military.”  

Anthony will not be going to the Marines’ basic training but, instead, has plans of going to the Penn State on a $180,00 Marine scholarship.  There, he will be enrolled in their ROTC program and set on the path of becoming an Officer in the United States Marine Corps, just like his World War II hero grandfather. 

Not all future soldiers go through the JROTC program during their high school careers.  Senior, Robert Eichner, is a prime example of this.  Robert plans to join the Marines after his four year college career even though he did not go through the JROTC program during high school.  His  inspiration to enlist comes from his father who was a Marine for 24 years.  During that time, he served two combat tours in Kuwait and Baghdad.   Mr. Eichner was also stationed all over the world.  Robert hopes to one day live up to his dad's history and become a Marine Corps pilot.  He’s prepared to lay his life on the line just as his father did in Operation Desert Storm.  

On a personal note, I am joining the United States Army as well.  Ever since I was a kid I knew I would be joining the military.  The path I’ve chosen through the Army Reserves will let me be in the Army as well as being fully enrolled in college.  My inspiration to join comes from my family as well, but more importantly, my love for this country we live in. 

Within the halls of WHS are emerging heroes of our front lines, who will one day be protecting the nation from harm's way and also protecting all that America stands for.  These future members of our armed forces are prepared to continue the tradition of making the world a better place but, most importantly, protecting America.  Their inspiration comes from the fallen and their past family members.  Anthony, Robert and I are ready to protect this nation no matter the situation.