By Joni Fitzgerald
Series: Jacob?s Journey, Part 1
Jacob Boyanton: Future Veteran Committed to Excellence
A new QM is on the rise and his name is Jacob Boyanton. Although his story does not begin here, his journey does. Ambition and accomplishment is what he steps up to the plate with as he boards a plane on Monday, December 12, 2016, at 4:00 am. Where he has been has brought him to where is is today and where he goes tomorrow has yet to be revealed.
As I introduce you to this young man that will serve in the United States Navy, his newly embarked life will be followed and highlighted as we take a look into the life of a military enlistee. You will hear about his strengths, weaknesses, contributions, and happenings in his service to his country and ours. Please join me in following this young man to see what he, and others like him, face in their part to keeping this country safe and our freedoms protected.
An e- interview took place on Friday, December 10, 2016 and here is what Mr. Boyanton states:
Q: Where were you born and raised?
A: ?I was born in a small town in SE Oklahoma called Talihina, but I was raised in OKC where I moved with my father when I was 9.?
Q: What year did you graduate high school and what were your greatest accomplishments?
A: ?I graduated high school in 2016 from Mustang High School. My great accomplishment was my great math skills. While attending high school I had one of the highest grades out of all my senior peers.?
Q: From graduation to enlistment, what developments inspired you to enlist in the navy and what do you hope to accomplish?
A: ?I plan on making a career out of the military. So far, being in the DEP program has taught me to respect any and all military personnel. I got a 103 in trigonometry and 102 in Calculus on my finals. My job as a QM requires me to be somewhat good in math but since I love it, that won?t be an issue.”
Q: What do you hope to give to and receive from the Navy?
A: ?Like the Navy?s Motto: Stand and I will proudly serve my combat team. I am committed to excellence.?
The DEP program has been a benefit to Jacob and is available ?for seniors and anyone who has a diploma or GED,? Jacob Boyanton.
Q: What relatives, if any, of your has served in the military and/or wars, police actions etc. have they served in?
A: ?My Uncle Paul who was in Vietnam. And my grandfather Greg who served in the Air Force and retired as a lieutenant Colonel. My great grandfathers who were both in the Navy.?
?You must be proud of them,? I said to Jacob.
Jacob also writes, ?My ship date was actually moved back to February. I will be a Great Lakes from boot camp and A school.?
Thank you Jacob for your willingness and openness to show America what one young man is doing to make a difference. Those that already died in battles of the yester-years are the ones who have founded and fought for our freedoms. Living veterans have fought to maintain what their predecessors achieved. Our future veterans are seeking opportunities to serve and help maintain what our country can continue to enjoy, that of freedoms. A thanks to all the men and women who have died serving, have served, are serving, and those who have yet to serve. Applause to you all!