The sky is the limit

Beginning at the time when we’re able to speak our first words, up until we’ve made that decision, we’re often asked the intrinsic question: “What do you want to be when you’re older/”

For three graduating seniors from Chester Academy, their answer is to join the Air Force, and in turn, serving the country. Here’s they had to say in their interviews:

Jason Stark (18 years old)

Q. When do you plan on joining the Air Force?

A. I’m planning on joining in spring of next year, using that time off to train since I’m going to be entering the Special Forces pipeline.

Q. What was your source of inspiration for this?

A. I come from a military family, where all my relatives and friends have served. The jobs in the Air Force and the special forces career field really intrigue me as well, including Special Reconnaissance, Tackle Air Control Party, Pararescue and Combat Control. The job which specifically intrigued me was Pararescue. They’re the most elite combat medics in the world, being the only special operations in the United States being designed strictly for combat rescue, search and rescue and personal recovery. Being able to save someone’s life allows you to see change in the making.

Q. Is there anything you’re particularly excited for or nervous about?

A. There’s a lot I’m excited about, as well as nervous. The pipeline is over two years of intense training ... and has a higher dropout rate than the Navy Seals. The pool sessions are always the hardest. So that’s what I’m going to be dreading the most.

Q. Last comments?

A. Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t do anything. Set a goal, train hard for that goal and you’ll achieve that goal. It’s the days when you don’t want to get out of bed, go to the gym, go on a run, those are the days you need to train the hardest.

Heaven Rosado (17 years old)

Q. When do you plan on joining the Air Force?

A. I plan on getting sworn in at the end of this month.

Q. What was your source of inspiration for this?

A. I have a lot of people in my family who are in the military, but I would actually be the first one in my immediate family to join the Air Force. I’ve always been fond of how aircraft work, as well as the prospect of travelling through the Air Force. The biggest proponent is having that chance to help others, which I feel the Air Force offers.

Q. Is there anything you’re particularly excited for or nervous of?

A. Would definitely say I’m nervous about boot camp. I feel like anybody would be, especially since I’m enlisting early. Although I know it’s going to be mentally and physically draining, I know that in the end, it’ll be a great result. I’ll get through it, but it’s definitely something I’m nervous about. On the other hand, I’m excited about the job I’m vying for, that being cryptologic linguist. The job is mainly to help prevent terrorism.

Q. Last comments?

A. I’m joining to protect and serve my country. I also think it’s cool that I’ll be the first female in my family to join, as everyone in my family before me has been males.

Joshua Schmoyer (18 years old)

Q. When do you plan on joining the Air Force?

A. I’m currently finalizing the date with my recruiter, but most likely sometimes in August; I’ve already been sworn in.

Q. What was your source of inspiration for this?

A. The Air Force offers different positions in electrical work. It’s something I’m working on in C-TECH, and I’d like to continue down that path. After boot camp, I’ll be going to a technical training school, and after that I’d be stationed wherever I’m needed.

Q. Is there anything you’re particularly excited for or nervous about?

A. I’m excited to travel, but I’ll be nervous to be away from home for so long.

Q. Last comments?

A. I’m eager to branch out, and to leave Chester for a little while.