by Jim Silver

Five seniors will graduate from Custer County High School having already set a course on serving in a branch of the United States military. School Guidance Counselor Troy Bomgardner arranged for an interview session in the school library with these soon-to-be graduates last Monday, May 14th. Listening to them express their plans and aspirations that day made for a meaningful few moments. These young people have done some serious thinking on their own and with their parents, and have made a choice which will thrust them into something bigger than just themselves in very short order. Following is an introduction of these students:

Courtney Flynn expressed herself very clearly when asked what motivated her decision to join the United States Army National Guard. She said that she “wanted to be part of something great—to serve her country.” Courtney has already qualified for the Intelligence field and is committed to six years of service. She will proceed into technical training in that specialty once she has completed Basic Training at Ft. Sill, OK. Courtney has a brother now serving in the Air Force and is the daughter of Lana Flynn.
Jack Bowker is the Custer County graduate who gets the honor of being the first of his classmates to ship out. Jack will head for basic training at Ft. Benning, GA, on June 4th. Jack has enlisted in the United States Army and will train for the Infantry. Jack has an initial four-year commitment, but also said that he hopes to make the grade to be a Green Beret. Tate and Wendy Rusk are his parents, and Jack named his deceased great grandfather Harvey Rusk as the person in his family whose military footsteps he follows. Much loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, Harvey was one of the “Greatest Generation,” serving in the Army in WW II.
Scott Freeburg is a young man who has obviously put a lot thought and then execution into his career plan. The son of Dave and Janet Freeburg, Scott has been accepted into a challenging specialty in the United States Navy—SCEF. Scott had to tell us that this stands for Submarine Computer Electronic Field, and this assignment requires a year of tech school at the front end of an eight-year enlistment. First off is boot camp at Great Lakes Naval Training Center near Chicago, starting on August 15th. Scott’s grandfather also served in the Navy on a submarine.
Kobe Lewsader has had his sights set on the military for a long time—since the third grade, he says. He follows after brothers in the military in both the Air Force and the Army. In fact, as Kobe embarks on his United States Army career, he will train to be an Apache helicopter mechanic, just like his brother. Kobe leaves on June 25th for boot camp at Ft. Jackson, SC, and has signed up for six years. He is the son of Brian and Dena Woods.
Dylan Schoch is also set to raise his right hand and join the United States Army and will train to be an Avionics Specialist. Dylan anticipates going to Ft. Benning, GA, for boot camp, but does not have a date of departure at this time. Dylan follows his parents in opting to go into the military. Brandon and Stacy Schoch both served in the United States Navy.
Even in advance of the departure of these Custer County graduates, we say, “Thank-you for your service!” We commend you for making this choice, taking this step of maturity, and serving our country.

Not featured here is Celestina Barnes, who was unable to attend the interview session. We will give you an update on her plans next week.