Three HSCHS seniors graduate from National Guard basic training

Three young men from Thermopolis recently graduated after 10 weeks of  military basic training for Wyoming  National Guard. Private Second Class Sean Miller was stationed at Fort Jackson, SC where he was assigned to an infantry unit. Private Adam Hanson and Private Alex Brawley were receiving artillery training at Fort Sill, OK. 

The basic training was for male and female soldiers in the National Guard, Army, and Army Reserves around the United States. Each platoon to which they were assigned had about 46 soldiers.

Hanson said that he can summarize his 10-week training in a few words, "Lots, lots, lots of push-ups." He went on to say, "I learned that the more effort you put into the training the more results you get out of it."

As Brawley reflected on his summer's experience, he stated, "I learned to be disciplined. I met lots of soldiers from different backgrounds which made my experience more interesting.  I missed my family, especially my dog." 

Miller said that family is very important to him. "You miss your family at first but if you stick it out you will gain a new one. High school is going to be easy because we were trained to give 120 percent to the task at hand.  The military taught us that 110 percent is not enough."

All three are serious about being soldiers.  As friends, they can enjoy the banter back and forth. Hanson is their senior age-size as he turns 18 on Sept. 5.  Miller turns 18 on September 29, but out-ranks his two buddies as a Private Second Class. Brawley resigns himself to being their junior as he turns 18 on October 5. 

The three young soldiers are ready to settle down for their senior year at Hot Springs County High School. In addition to tending to their studies, they will be spending one weekend a month at Fort Guernsey for further training. Hanson and Miller work part time at Pizza Hut. 

Their immediate goal is to balance their time and energy between preparing to graduate from high school in the spring of 2016 and working at becoming better soldiers. They also want to make time for family and friends.