Colin McCormack, Central Bucks High School West '23
Q: What is your position and where are you stationed?
A: I am a 138 Fighter Wing for the Air National Guard in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Q: What is your job description?
A: 2W0 Munitions systems (AMMO) – I’m responsible for assembling and disassembling bombs, driving them out to the flight line for F-16s and making sure the munitions are accountable.
Q: What has been your most challenging experience while serving?
A: At first, it was being away from home, but I was able to adjust throughout training.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience while serving?
A: I met a lot of good patriotic people from all different backgrounds and all different ages. It is truly an amazing experience.
Q: What advice do you have for high school students contemplating military service?
A: Do your research regarding which jobs interest you. Start early in your senior year. Also take the ASVAB (a test) as soon as you can because this will be helpful in deciding which jobs are a good match. If you are considering joining the National Guard, research the benefit of each state.
One nice part about joining a guard or reserve unit is that you go to your base before training so you meet a lot of your fellow service members you will be working with after training. Also, you get to choose the location.
As far as fitting service and school together, everyone has been accommodating, however, serving always comes first. Teachers cannot discredit you from missing class due to military service. Working full-time and serving works the same. Your employer cannot fire you for missing work due to military service.
Michael Kleinert, Lansdale Catholic High School '22
Q: What is your position and job description?
A: My MOS* is 11b which means I'm an infantryman in the Army.
Q: What has been your most challenging experience while serving?
A: The most challenging experience I've had is FTX bayonet run.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience while serving?
A: Receiving my cross rifles has been my most rewarding experience,
Q: What advice do you have for high school students contemplating military service?
A: Make sure it is something you really want to do and no one else is pushing you to do it. If you want to do it, embrace it. It will surely be rewarding!
*MOS stands for Military Occupational Specialties. There are more than 10,000 different "MOS" across all branches of the military.
Bradley Cannon, Central Bucks High School South '23
Q: What is your position and wehre are you stationed?
A: My position in the US Air Force is Integrated Avionics Techician for F-16 fighter jets. I currently hold the rank of "Airman". I am stationed at Holloman Air Force Base in Alamogordo, New Mexico.
Q: What is your job description?
A: My job consists of general maintenance on the avionics systems for F-16's. This means having proficient knowledge in the computer and electronic systems of the aircraft. I troubleshoot issues before, during, and after flights. I also replace faulty or damaged parts on the aircraft.
Q: What has been your most challenging experience while serving?
A: My most challendging experience is adjusting to living so far from home. Being away from home was really difficult to get used to at first, especially since I just graduated from high school. The feeling of homesickness never really goes away, as I miss my family and friends everyday, but I have no choice but to adjust to a new way of life. I have found that staying focused on my duties and responsiblites as a US Airman has helped me adapt.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience while serving?
A: My most rewarding expereince is seeing first hand how much support I am given from my loved ones back home. I am so thankful that there are many people in my community that go out of their way to support my fellow servicemen and me.
Q: What advice do you have for high school students contemplating military service?
A: Make sure you research as much as you can. Use online resources. Talk with recruiters, veterans, and active service members so that you can determine which branch and job best suits you. The military is a whole different world compared to college and the civilian workforce. Do your research and your future self will thank you.
Jeff Woosnam, Central Bucks West High School '21
Q: What is your position?
A: My MOS* is 11b which means I'm an infantryman in the Army.
Q: What is your job description?
A: I am a machine gun operator for a Delta company.
Q: What has been your most challenging experience while serving?
A: The most challenging experience I've had is getting my Expert Infantry Badge. The pass rate was less than 20%.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience while serving?
A: Getting my Expert Infantry Badge was my most rewarding experience as well. I learned a lot in a only a few weeks and made good connections with great soldiers.
Q: What advice do you have for high school students contemplating military service?
A: Take your time and really think about what it is you are signing up for. Don't be pressured to make a decision. It's the best thing I've ever done. I was also 100% sure I wanted to enlist.
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Giovanni Morales, Central Bucks High School East '22
Q: What is your position?
A: I am about to become a Private First Class attached to 3-10 Mountain Combat Division. My MOS is 91b which is all wheels vehicles mechanic.
Q: What is your job description?
A: I work on HMVEES, JLTVS, JLMTVS and other vehicles with wheels and an engine. My job is to make sure all vehicles are mission capable and ready for the fight.
Q: What has been your most challenging experience while serving?
A: The most challenging experience I've had is learning to deal with problems and grief while being so far from home. I can't let my emotions come out in ways that aren't inline with the seven Army values.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience while serving?
A: My most rewarding experience has been Field Training Exercises. I am very excited for the Joint Readiness Training Center this August. This is where we will be given realistic pre-deployment training scenarios in all aspects of armed conflict.
Q: What advice do you have for high school students contemplating military service?
A: Excel in your branch. The Army has so many different schools from airborne and air assault to mountain warfare, Ranger Assessment and Selection Program, SAPPER, and much more. Take advantage of every learning opportunity and be all that you can be.
