BY JOHN GRONES
Publisher
When high school graduating senior Tanya House made her decision to join the Navy, little did she know of a unique opportunity that would lead to a tough decision. Tanya would be forced to decide – attend her high school graduation ceremony or fly out to Charlotte, North Carolina and attend a NASCAR race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway for a special Navy swearing in ceremony.
The person doing the swearing in – Vice Admiral Mark Ferguson with NASCAR racing driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. at his side. The ceremony would take place at CarQuest Auto Parts 300 race in Charlotte, NC. The Cromwell graduation ceremony was on May 23, and Tanya would have to fly out a day or two before.
Tanya chose the once-in-a-lifetime trip to watch the race and the swearing in ceremony. She didn’t hesitate when asked if it was worth missing graduation. “By a long shot,” she said. “We were in the middle of the track the whole day. During the race we were in the pits. I stood right next to the tires they were changing.”
Tanya also added that she was able to wear a headset and listen to conversations between Earnhardt and his pit crew.
The fact that Tanya was the first in the nation to sign up for this unique opportunity is a bit of a coincidence. Tanya had already signed up for six years with the Navy when the recruiting incentive announcement was released on April 25. That day she just happened to be at the recruiting office in the Twin Cities.
“The announcement was made the day I was enlisting and picking out my job at the MEPs office,” added Tanya. “It was a one-of-a-kind program, and they were recruiting 44 girls and 44 guys.”
Tanya felt like this was a unique opportunity and became the first recruit in the nation to sign. She will be shipped to Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, the week of August 18–22.
Tanya shared that her decision to join the Navy stems from an opportunity for her to develop a good education and see the world a bit. “It was between the Air Force and the Navy,” commented Tanya. “I couldn’t get a hold of the Air Force recruiter and ended up signing up with the Navy.”
Tanya noted that she does have family members that are or were in the military. “My father (Brian) was in the Air Force, my cousin (Kenny) is in the Navy, and my aunt and uncle (Brad and Kathy) are in the Navy. I also have a step uncle in the Navy (David Walters).”
Three more graduates join the military
BY RYAN BECK
Cromwell English Student
This year is the five-year anniversary of the Iraq war. Despite the war, there are still brave men and women who are joining the military. A few of those brave men and women that are in the military attended Cromwell-Wright High School or are still in school. This year, four seniors for Cromwell-Wright joined.
The four high school students joining the military this year are Megan Hibke, Danielle Richards, Sean Antolik, and Tanya House. Three are joining the Army National Guard in Hibbing and one is joining the Navy.
DANIELLE RICHARDS
Danielle Richards will be joining the Army National Guard. She will be completing her AIT at Fort Lee in Virginia after her basic training. She shared that her motivation is to make sure her friends and families are safe. She also shared that her main concern is being sent over.
“My plan is to be in the Army National Guard for eight years,” said Danielle, “and to be a supplies specialist.”
MEGAN HIBKE
Megan Hibke is joining the Army National Guard and will be completing her advanced individual training (AIT) at Fort Gordon in Georgia after her basic training. Megan shared that her biggest motivation is to continue her education. “I want to do something after school,” said Megan, “and be part of something bigger than myself.”
Megan is going to school to be a communications specialist. She said it’s a great experience for joining the Army National Guard.
Her motivation of joining is that they pay for her schooling. Her main concern of joining is to smile while getting yelled at.
SEAN ANTOLIK
Sean Antolik is the third one joining the Army National Guard. He will be completing his AIT at Fort Leonardwood Missouri after his basic training.
He is going to be a heavy equipment operator. “I will be driving anything that deals with construction,” said Sean. “I also plan on being a combat engineer.”
“I always wanted to join the military when I was a kid,” he added, “but my main fear is to not go active.”
