At the thought of war for many Americans, there is a feeling of distance; war is not a part of everyday life in the United States. Individuals have the freedom to choose whether or not they want to face war, and although the military may seem removed from our lives, many choose to join. Serving our country is a decision made to lead a life no longer as a civilian, but rather as a soldier. Straying from the well-worn route of going off to college right out of high school, the following stories exemplify students whose pathway is forged by the desire to serve and protect the United States of America.

Although he has faced some resistance from his family, Raymond Fang (‘18) has already set out on a pathway that he hopes will help him become a soldier in the United States military. Most of his family members hold careers in medicine, but Fang is on the verge of breaking the mold and pursuing his enthusiasm for law enforcement. “To me, it’s like a revolutionary step. A lot of times when you think about the American Dream, you do what you want. You don’t do what someone tells you to do,” Fang said.

Fang’s experience as a police cadet bred in him a passion for law enforcement. As he met other cadets and veteran police officers who served in the military, Fang gained further insight into the law enforcement and military institutions and the unique dynamic of brotherhood and trust. “[As] a police cadet, a lot of police officers [I work with] are former veterans, and [I found that] when you are in the police department there’s a sort of teamwork,” Fang said. “You can rely on people to always have your back.”

With something as daunting as joining the military comes many emotions, and among the more prominent feelings, Fang says, is eagerness. “I’ve known a lot of friends and police cadets that have gone to the Marines and the Army, a few veterans and a few police officers, and because of that I feel like I get to follow in their footsteps because these people are like role models to me,” Fang said.

Fang has explored the depth of what joining the military means to him, and in conjunction with a desire to serve the country, he looks forward to the opportunity of forming bonds with his comrades. “I just want something where I can trust the person on my left and right. That’s one of the biggest reasons why the military has always attracted me,” Fang said.

The idea of being an American, although important to many, holds extra meaning to some individuals. “I love America,” senior Ethan Bundy said. “I don’t really know how to explain it, it’s just an inner feeling.” Bundy’s unwavering patriotism has led him to strongly consider the military as a post-high school option. “I just think that there’s not really a more noble way to use your life than to put it on the line for other people,” Bundy said.

Not everyone shares Bundy’s positive sentiment. “I’ve had people tell me they don’t want me joining because they don’t want me to die, and I’ve heard people say that the military has no business doing what they do,” Bundy said. Regardless, he remains steadfast in his support for the military. “I completely disagree with that. Terrorism is not just going to go away; people are going to have to deal with it.”

Although the idea of a son joining the military is enough to frighten most people, Bundy’s parents have been very understanding of his consideration. “They really respect it and they’re really encouraging about it,” Bundy said. “All of my extended family is really supportive of my cousin who just enlisted. They all wish us the best.”

Bundy looks towards a possible career with the military as a chance for him to make a positive impact and protect the country that he loves. “I think what the military does is good — not always, sometimes there are mistakes made — because for the most part, the purpose they serve is good,” Bundy said. “They do the right thing.”

Chuck Stephenson (‘16) has wanted to pursue a career in the military since he was in elementary school. Now a cadet at theUnited States Military Academy, West Point, Stephenson is fulfilling a lifelong dream. “I wanted to go to West Point because I saw it as an opportunity to get a top tier education while also serving my country in the years to follow,” Stephenson said.

After applying and being accepted to West Point, Stephenson entered into “The Beast,” West Point’s version of basic training. During this time, Stephenson was exposed to the hardship that life at West Point entails. “There were some very challenging times, but it was an experience I’ll never forget,” Stephenson said. “The Beast” only marked the beginning of the challenging life that West Point cadets face on a daily basis. “Waking up at 5 a.m. to clean bathrooms, four to five classes every day, you can only leave for a weekend every couple months; it’s a pretty huge commitment,” Stephenson said.

Although life as a cadet can be difficult, Stephenson has found support in his peers. “The people here make you want to stay,” Stephenson said. “I’ve made some of my best friends here.”

In becoming a West Point cadet, Stephenson has committed himself to active military service as a second lieutenant for five years upon graduation. He has not forgotten this commitment and understands the possibility of serving during wartime. “It’s a possibility you need to accept if you’re joining the military,” Stephenson said. “I joined to serve my country; if we’re called upon during a time of war then that’s how we can serve.”

Throughout his experience at West Point, Stephenson remembers his childhood dream of joining the military. His choice to enroll in West Point was the culmination of a lifelong desire to serve his country, and Stephenson has not forgotten what that means. “It’s a way I can give back to my country and be a part of something bigger than myself.”