Shane Southard

My name is Shane Southard. I enlisted into the United States Army for multiple reasons. The first, I wanted to be a part of something bigger than Myself. Secondly, we all remember where we were when 9/11 happened, and at that time I was just in 3rd grade. I didn't understand terrorism and what truly had happened on that day eleven years ago; but I remember fourth grade. We had this memorial at my school and we all took part in burning the flag. The event changed who I was. I wanted to be a soldier and fight for freedom. That day I came home saying one day I would join the Army and I did!!!

The last reason I joined was for the educational benefits. In the future I see myself going into a full time Ministry. A degree in Theology isn't cheap and so I am going to use the financial resources from the Army to one day accomplish my other Dream of being a church planter.

I enlisted December 2011 and since that time, I have been physically and mentally preparing myself for what the Army requires throughout basic training and daily life. Also, since that time I have been doing my future solider training tests. I leave in a month and I know I am ready for this new chapter of my life. My MOS is 68W (Healthcare Specialist). I went through EMT/fire school last year so AIT will be a breeze.