Although the majority of students enter the typical four-year college after they graduate, there are a select few who choose a career in the Army, Airforce or Navy. These students show qualities of bravery and strength and represent Palmetto all over the world. According to CAP Advisor Sally Coords, three percent of the 2011 graduating class is going into one of these fields.
Two of these students, seniors Vincenzo Gugliuzza and Anil Salgar, are entering the Airforce ROTC after they graduate high school, and Ben Kleiman will be joining the Navy.
“I think that everyone should have a chance to serve because it gives a new perspective on things and I believe that it could change someone for the better, whether in leadership or organization,” Gugliuzza said.
Gugliuzza will enter the Airforce ROTC (Reserve Officers’ Training Corps) at the University of Central Florida. Throughout his freshman and sophomore years he must take their designated classes, and then if he wants to commit to them, he has to sign a contract and he automatically becomes obligated to join the Airforce after he graduates.
“I originally wanted to do aerospace engineering and I thought the best way to do it was through the academy since it’s a top notch education and it’s for free,” Gugliuzza said. “I’m probably going to commit to them.”
Salgar has wanted to go into the Airforce ever since he was three years old and went to New York for the first time. He was mesmerized by the airplane, and throughout his life upgraded from flying model airplanes to flight school where he will soon get his pilot’s license, and now to the Airforce ROTC at the University of Michigan.
“Hopefully I get commissioned as a second lieutenant for the Airforce,” Salgar said.
Salgar’s course is not a direct entrance into the military, but instead an officer development course where he will learn the best techniques for flying, safety precautions and how to better develop himself as a pilot.
“I really love my country, and I feel strong to serve it,” Salgar said. “In ten years I see myself as a captain of the Airforce and hopefully stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.”
Kleiman will join the Navy this year, although he is unsure about which military occupation service he will choose.
“It seemed like something cool to do with my life,” Kleiman said. “I don’t want to look back at my life and regret anything.”
Wherever these courses take these students, they plan on going there with dignity and pride in the fact that they will be serving their country.
“It’s great for you to just give back to your country, because your country gives everything to you,” Salgar said. “You’re a product of your country, so if you want to make it a better place you should serve it.”
Palmetto alumnus Christopher Hoang joined the Marine Corps last year, and he describes the experience as life-changing.
“My advice to anyone who is joining any service is to be prepared for everything. Your life is going to change and you are going to have to adapt to it,” Hoang said. “Learn what you can from everyone, and most importantly, never quit.”
