The Blog

Students in the Military

This Veterans Day, we want to recognize our students who have joined the military. Senior Alexis Hower and junior Jeremiah Ebel are in the Nebraska Army National Guard, and senior Jack Nelson is going to serve in the U.S. Army as an active duty soldier. 

Jackson Nelson

To be in the military, all examinees must pass an extensive physical test called MEPs. They also attend 10 weeks of basic military training at a military base, followed by Advanced Individual Training (AIT) to receive training for their specific jobs. To be the National Guard, one must make a commitment to serve in the military for eight years (the amount of active duty time is anywhere from three to eight years). For the Army (active duty), the service term typically lasts two to six years and in rare occasions 10 years.

When asked about their reasons to apply to the military, Ebel said, “I’m a very patriotic person. I applied to the military to protect our country from terrorism and invasion. Also, my brother Nick encouraged me to go to the armed forces.”

As an Army National Guard member, Hower will attend college while serving. She said, “I’m planning to attend UNK in pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I’d like to be a Nebraska State Patrol officer or work in a crime lab for a local law enforcement agency.”

We thank all the military who are sacrificing for our prosperity and peace. Also, we pray for those three young patriotic NC students during this process to protect our nation.

Top photo: Nebraska Army National Guard members Alexis Hower (left) and Jeremiah Ebel (right) with Sgt. Schlote, their recruiter.