From civilian to soldier

A young boy stands admiring the American dream, hoping to one day become a national hero by serving his country and making his people proud. From youth to adulthood, he had planned to make an impact in his country through protecting the citizens of the United States.

Senior Brad Brooks completed basic training during the summer of 2016 and is now enlisted in the Army Reserves, allowing him to pursue a civilian career or attend college full-time while still serving his country. Brooks went through nine weeks of mandated training at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma to help him transition from a civilian to a soldier.

“My favorite part was getting to work with people who will be by my side all the time, who I know I can trust,” Brooks said. “Going through that pain, knowing that the same pain I feel they feel as well. The worst part was just missing home.”

The military recruiters solidified his decision to join the military after helping him understand what the military was all about and explaining that it offers good options for well-disciplined people. With his family’s support Brooks joined the Army Reserves and will attend Texas Woman’s University for his music education degree while being actively involved in the university’s ROTC program.

Brooks has inherited passion from his family members to serve their country and has now become a soldier himself because of his own internal desire to make a difference. Since enlisting, Brooks has already learned integrity and selfless service during his time in basic training to prepare for his future.

“In 10 years I see Brooks as warrant officer because he has great ambition and possesses good leadership qualities,” Brooks’ friend Oliver Perez said.

Since his transition into the Army Reserves, Brooks has learned to put a different perspective on the world. Serving his country gives Brooks a purpose that helps him focus on his goals and achieve the status of selfless servant.

“It’s important to me because one, I’m serving my country, something that I’ve always wanted to do, but also to have a gift that’s great for me,” Brooks said. “Being in the military helps you to take care of yourself for however long you’re in and for the rest of your life.”