Monroe Army Office honors new recruits at Lake Tye

All of the traditional elements were in place during the Monroe Army Office barbecue at Lake Tye last week, but the day was about a lot more than just hotdogs and hamburgers. It was about honoring the nation's newest soldiers for exemplary commitment, leadership skills and dedication to their oath.

Monroe's Army Recruiting Office, at 14751 N. Kelsey St. near Wyatt's Jewelers, is staffed by Sgt. James Hall and recruiters Sgt. Kenneth Dugger and Sgt. Jesse Thompson, who are available to guide those interested in learning more about the United States Army. From career and educational opportunities to information regarding testing, logistics and commitments of service, the Monroe Army Office is there to answer questions.

In addition to assisting walk-in clients, the Monroe Army Office engages with high school students from all over the Sky Valley region, including Monroe, Sultan and Snohomish, to help them determine whether or not a military career might be right for them.-á

Originally from North Carolina, Dugger has been a recruiter for nearly three years. He encourages everyone to "be curious,GÇ¥ and strives to equip people with the information needed to make an informed decision. Walking into the Monroe Army Office does not mean that you're going to end up on the next plane to basic training, Dugger said.-á

"Just because you come and talk to us does not mean, at all, that you're going to enlist,GÇ¥ Dugger said. "It's more like just checking options.GÇ¥-á

The first step is to verify a person's eligibility, Dugger said. Army recruits must be at least 18 years of age, unless they can provide parental consent, which lowers the minimum age to 17. The maximum age for a recruit is 35, and all new prospective soldiers must achieve a minimum score of 31 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test.

Once a person takes the ASVAB, Dugger uses the results to help determine what career might be best for that individual. Recently enlisted Private Mary Ryder had a couple options, deciding to pursue a 68W, also known as a combat medic. Ryder, 18, will complete eight to 10 weeks of basic training at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, followed by 16 to 18 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Sam Houston, in San Antonio, Texas.

She leaves for basic this summer, and is excited for the opportunity.-á

"I'm just really excited about my medical training ' it's something that I've always wanted.GÇ¥ Ryder said. "You can't get into a career like this and then just get your training straight off the bat.GÇ¥

The role of a combat medic is to provide what is referred to as "force preservation,GÇ¥ including emergency care while in combat. A combat medic is a fully-trained Emergency Medical Technician, with subsequent training in all aspects of combat medicine.

Ryder's initial communication with the Monroe Army Office took place during the Evergreen State Fair last summer. About a week later, she received a call from Dugger, had her consultation, and the next thing, she knew was taking her ASVAB. She had always been interested in military service because many of her family members served.

"I come from a deeply-rooted military family,GÇ¥ Ryder said. "My dad was in the Air Force and my aunt and my grandfather were both in the Air Force, and my uncle on my mother's side was in the Army.GÇ¥

The additional education she'll receive pursuing a career as a combat medic was especially appealing to Ryder, who enjoys academics so much that she began applying for college when she was in the ninth grade. Those colleges never called her back, she recalled, but the Army did. She signed on for a four-year enlistment, and is eager to get started.

The Monroe Army Office offers an opportunity for camaraderie by enabling more experienced soldiers to mingle with new recruits. Private Chloie Huskey, 18, has been in the Army Reserves for 14 months. She is the daughter of Dreadnought Brewing co-owner and Army veteran Steve Huskey. Located in Monroe's industrial area near Lake Tye, Dreadnought features live music, craft brews, custom sandwiches and salads, and is owned by veterans representing nearly all branches of the military.-á -á

Huskey has been able to share her basic training experiences with Ryder, so she has a better idea of what to expect. Huskey, a culinary artist, completed her basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. While in basic, soldiers learn to gain power over adversity through different drills and activities, and are required to push themselves at all times.

Huskey recalled her Field Training Exercise (FTX 3), an intensive, multi-day series of drills that included land navigation, military operations and night infiltration, all with varying degrees of security. One hundred percent security meant they were on watch all night, she said.-á

While at basic, Huskey was able to participate in the South Carolina 9/11 Heroes Run, which was one of the high points, she said, along with FTX 3.

Interaction at the Army office, including weekly fitness drills and bi-monthly barbecues, helps boost camaraderie. Last Thursday's event at Lake Tye gave Hall the opportunity to recognize several local soldiers and recruits for their accomplishments.

"We want to recognize our soldiers who have taken an oath to defend our country, and for some of the things they have personally done not only for the Army, but for the community and everybody around them,GÇ¥ Hall said. "We're going to recognize some of these soldiers here today.GÇ¥

Certificates of Appreciation were given to Eric Hill, for his commitment to successful operations at the Monroe Army Office; Gabriel Pygott, for his excellence and dedication to physical fitness; Josiah Sumner, for his continuous support as a senior cadet in the JROTC program; and Antonio Merola, for his outstanding work ethic and motivational impact on others.

Mary Ryder received a Certificate of Appreciation for her dedication to self-development on all levels.

"Your commitment to your decision has been unparalleled and on behalf of all of us at the Monroe Army Office, we want to recognize your efforts to better yourself personally and professionally,GÇ¥ Hall said. "Never settle.GÇ¥

Private First Class Andrew Sanchez was given a Leadership Award for his guidance of future soldiers.

"Your contributions to the future soldier program have been an incredible asset to have,GÇ¥ Hall said. "You have a tremendous amount of untapped potential, and we cannot wait to watch your path unfold.GÇ¥

Private Chloie Huskey was given a Leadership Award for having a positive impact on newly recruited soldiers.

"Your ability to lead, motivate and develop the future soldiers has been an important piece of our future soldier program since your enlistment,GÇ¥ Hall said. "You have set a phenomenal example of pursuing your educational goals for others to follow. Continue the strong work and never quit.GÇ¥

Once all the soldiers were honored, Hall commended them for their service thus far.

"All of our soldiers here have made the commitment to serve our country and to protect our freedom at 17 and 18 years old,GÇ¥ Hall said. "I want to read you the oath that they personally took to help this great nation.GÇ¥-á

Hall read the oath, which states; "I do solemnly swear or affirm, that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign, and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.GÇ¥

Dugger encourages people to be open to the possibilities that the military can offer. He is grateful he enlisted, and grateful to his recruiter, who asked him to reflect on what it would be like to be 40 years old and filled with regret because he didn't join the military when he had the chance.

"It's life changing,GÇ¥ Dugger said. "I found my real passion, I met my wife; if it hadn't been for the military, I wouldn't have the life I have now.GÇ¥-á

For more information about the Monroe Army Office, visit www.facebook.com/MonroeArmyOffice/?fref=ts.