Strong military ties show legacy of fearlessness, especially for Pumas

Walking through the administration building, visitors and students will pass a wall dedicated to former students who have entered the military. A folded flag is proudly displayed next to the portraits of various alumni, and the entire wall exudes a feeling of respect.

Oftentimes, a history of military participation in a family encourages someone to join the military; this was the case with recently graduated Madi Gloss. With an Air Force pilot as a father and various family members with experience in the military, she saw the importance of service and chose to follow in the same footsteps.

“Growing up around [military life] and seeing my other family members thrive in [it] inspired me because I saw what a great life they were having and wanted to have the same,” Gloss explains.

Gloss chose to enroll in the United States Military Academy where cadets are taught to be leaders. According to the Academy receive a “career as an officer in the world’s most proficient air, space, and cyberspace force.”

When she left for the Academy, her sister Kati Gloss had to get used to having Madi absent most days. Madi can only visit home during the holidays as opposed to the additional option college students have to visit home periodically in between breaks. However, Kati had a sense of pride for her sibling for taking this step toward military life.

“It makes me feel proud of her that she made the decision to serve her country for a living,” Kati says.

Madi’s decision has inspired Kati to consider enlisting herself, because it strengthened her patriotic ideals

“There has always been a sense of patriotism in our home,” Kati explains, “but after she decided to go to the academy it has made me consider joining the military to serve my country as well.”

Along with Madi Gloss, 2011 graduate Chris Spelts went the military route straight out of high school and enlisted in the United States Marines.

“I had a buddy from when I went to Perry that was going to join,” Spelts explains, “and he kind of took me under his wing and took me to the recruiter.”

During his high school career, he had a love for baseball. He played for the team for all four years, however, he did not want to try out for college sports because already had his heart set on enlisting in the military.

After serving in the Army for his full four years, Spelts plans on going to college for criminology. This is made possible by the GI Bill, which gives financial aid to people who serve in the military.

“[The army is] not easy at times, but it’s worth it as far as the benefits go;” Spelts explains, “in four years you have a hundred percent [of your] tuition paid for college.”

Principal Dan Serrano also saw his son, DJ Serrano, enroll into the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York.

According to the United States Army Recruiting Website, cadets who go to the Academy in West Point experience a “military-oriented environment” while “gaining an unparalleled undergraduate education and leadership skills through a rigorous curriculum.”

Having a family member or friend in the military or at an academy can change the ideals of patriotism. After sending DJ to West Point, Serrano’s awareness and patriotic feelings only heightened.

“I’ve always thought I’ve been patriotic, but now I’m more in tune with what’s going on in the world,” Serrano says regarding his different outlook on the military after his son chose to go to an academy.

Students interested in joining the Air Force are given the option of joining the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). The program helps high school students pursue their dreams of fighting for their country. It is offered for Basha and nearby Perry students at Basha High School from 6:15-7 a.m.

One of the most important things trainee Jon Allen has achieved from the ROTC program is the people involved. “You have a big family that will always be there for you,” Allen adds.

For Allen, his role in the program will help in his transition into a position as an airman. Allen states, “hopefully by the end of this year, I will be a United States airman.”

Joining the military is a serious decision one must make; men and women in the service often lay their lives down daily for their country, and make sacrifices for the citizens they are sworn to protect.

Madi knew long before making her decision that a strong patriotic spirit and desire to defend the country is necessary for anyone considering enlisting in the military. “You can’t join because you think you will be treated better or you feel pressured from family members or friends to join;” she says, “the military is not for the weak hearted.”