Dedicating a U.S. Army Recruiting Station in Methuen
By Dalia Díaz
There’s a big difference in today’s military from what it was just a few years ago. Perhaps the memories of recent conflicts are so palpable that the recruitment numbers have suffered tremendously. There’s also the education factor that is sending people into low-paying jobs and careers, increasing the poverty levels in the country, while many young people succumb victims of drug abuse.
That’s why the government has placed a big emphasis on education; not only by increasing the number of recruits and better-prepared soldiers that when they leave the service, will have a brighter future ahead.
The Military offers many educational benefits that service members can take advantage of during or after service. From financial aid and college funds to loan repayment programs, there have never been more ways for service members to afford and further their education.
The rising cost of tuition can be hard to manage, but the Military’s Tuition Assistance program provides service members the opportunity to enroll in courses at accredited colleges, universities, junior colleges, as well as vocational-technical schools.
Lawrence High School has a great ROTC Program and Staff Sargeant Manuel Peralta is a proud LHS graduate. He enjoys going to speak to the students and, “Sometimes we arrive unannounced and they take us to a classroom to speak to them.”
While military jobs vary in terms of responsibility, each is essential to accomplish the overall mission of defending our country. It’s also important to note that about 85 percent of these roles do not involve direct combat.
They invite you to explore these careers, learn about compensation and pay, and discover how the skills you learn in the Military can help prepare you for civilian employment afterward.
Josh Barclay from Ruskin, Florida is stationed here but he hopes to retire in two years after serving the country for 20 years. He spoke enthusiastically about all his travels and experiences and the good life he has had in the Army.
Each Service branch has unique programs that can help with tuition for anything from professional certifications to a graduate degree. That’s the job of David O’Neil, retired Army Education Services, New England Recruiting Battalion for MA, NH, RI, and ME. He is the right person to discuss goals and ambitions.
Having this recruiting station in Methuen is a great opportunity to spread the benefits of joining any branch of the military and we welcome them.
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