interest in military life

By AMY S. LANSDON

News Editor

Published Sept. 7, 1999

There’s a new kid in town and he’s working to create interest in the United States Army.

Private Joseph Shaw of Texas will spend the next few weeks in Troy trying to get people to join the Army by testifying about what the Army means to him and how it has changed his life.

"I am assisting to bring people into the Army," said Shaw. "I try to describe to them what it’s like when you first get in and how basic training is."

Shaw is working as a part of the Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program. He recently finished basic training and is a Multi Channel Transmission System Operator.

"As a Multi Channel Transmission System Operator I establish links with the community network and align sites with the antenna, and I make sure the links stay established," said Shaw.

Shaw is planning to attend airborne school at Ft. Bragg, and will then be in Korea for a one to two year tour.

Shaw joined the Army following in the footsteps of his father, who retired from the Army and moved to Pike County to work with the hospital. His father was in the biomedical field.

But following the road his father had was not the only reason Shaw "signed up." Shaw enlisted for four years and will earn $19,000 with the G.I. Bill for college. He said joining the Army will help him achieve his future goals.

Shaw encouraged people who are skeptical about their future to consider the military. He said the skills he has learned and will learn will prepare him for what lies ahead.

"I would recommend to anyone who is unsure about their future and their career to talk to someone about the Army," said Shaw. "There are a lot of opportunities offered. Career-wise it is good because it helps set up your future. It’s also a better way to the future money-wise if you have patience. You don’t have to pay taxes, there is no rent and you have medical and dental benefits. But most of all the Army helps build confidence in yourself."