McGregor High School, Class of 2007
Army National Guard
Kayla Hirsch
When did you decide to join? What branch did you pick and why?
I decided to join last year. I had a very close friend that just graduated her basic and AIT, and she told me all about it and all the benefits and college money. And I just decided it would be a good experience for me.
What are some of your goals? My military occupational specialty (MOS) is food services. I want to be able to travel the world.
Do you have family in the military? Both my grandpas were in the military, along with my aunt and two of my uncles
Describe basic training. At Fort Jackson, South Carolina, it was extrememly hot and strenuous. We went to ranges and shot a lot of big weapons. I got to throw live hand grenades; I went through a gas chamber; I went on many road marches and did lots of push-ups.
What was your family’s reaction to you joining? They were very supportive and were proud of my decision.
Cromwell High School, Class of 2007
Army National Guard
Logan Shiflett
When did you decide to join? What branch did you pick and why? I always wanted to be in the military ever since I was a little kid. I guess I decided to join when I was a junior and turned 17. I figured it would be a good experience for me, and it would be a fun time. I joined the National Guard because I like it here and didn’t want to be in the regular army because who knows where I would be stationed. This way I get to be around home. I also did it mostly for service and the money was also a plus, but that isn’t the reason I joined.
What are some of your goals? My goals are to be at least a Sergeant First Class and maybe go to airborne school. I am in the infantry, and I will always be in the infantry except my unit recently changed over to Cav Scout, so I will go to Calvary school but will still have an infantry job.
Do you have family in the military? My grandpa was the only one, and he was in the regular Army. He was a big influence.
What was your family’s reaction to you joining? My mom was very, very skeptical about it. She just doesn’t want me to get hurt.
Describe basic training. I went to basic at Ft. Benning, Georgia. It is extremely hot there. I really didn’t think it was that bad physically. The hardest part is little food and being away from home. Otherwise, it wasn’t bad at all.
McGregor High School, Class of 2007
Army National Guard
Gregory Juhl
When did you decide to join? What branch did you pick and why?
My name is Gregory Paul Juhl Private E-3. I decided to join the Army National Guard in March 2006. I had some friends tell me about it, and I figured it would be a real good learning experience.
What are some of your goals?
One of my goals is to go to college and become employed by the federal government as a prison guard at the Sandstone Federal Prison. Other goals are to make a good life for myself.
Do you have family in the military?
No one in my immediate family is in the service, but my uncle Loren Paul Juhl served with the United States Army for six years (1972-1978). My uncle Todd and cousin Tim were also in the service at one time.
Describe basic training.
Basic training wasn’t all that bad. At first it was a bit scary, but it doesn’t take long to adjust. I had a real longing for home all the while I was gone. And to see my parents and Nina on the day of my basic training graduation just made it all that much better.
What was your family’s reaction to you joining?
My family totally supports me all the way. They’re a bit scared that I might ship out to Iraq or somewhere not as safe as here at home, but that’s part of my job, and I will do the best that I can.
Anything else you’d like to add?
On July 5th I ship out to AIT (Advanced Individual Training) back at Fort Benning, GA (Infantry) for 5 weeks, and then after that I become an official soldier and will serve my country as part of my commitment and honor to be a soldier of the Army National Guard.
McGregor High School, Class of 2007
Navy
Dallas Walters
When did you decide to join? What branch did you pick and why?
I decided to join the beginning of my senior year. At first I was going to join the National Guard but later decided on the Navy.
What are some of your goals?
See the world, protect my country, and live life to its fullest.
Do you have family in the military?
My grandpa was in the army.
When are you going and where?
I’m leaving for basic and AIT on July 12, and I’m going to Great Lakes, Illinois.
What was your family’s reaction to you joining?
At first they were a little weary about the thought, but once the papers were signed, they both were extremely proud.
