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ROTC scholars

While most high school graduates are concerned about how they are going to pay for college, two recent Alton High School alumni can put those financial questions aside and focus on their upcoming freshman year.

Tevin Rose, 18, and John Findley, 17, both of Alton, received $180,000 through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarship.

"When I found out I had received the scholarship, I was really excited," Findley said. "It makes everything a whole lot easier. It's a huge relief."

Rose agreed.

"It was a huge weight lifted off my shoulders," Rose said. "Before I had heard that I had gotten the scholarship, I didn't know how I was going to pay for college."

In the fall, Rose is going to Mizzou to study biology. Findley will attend University of Illinois in Champaign and remains undecided about his major.

"I am leaning toward maybe majoring in business and then minoring in something that will help in my military career, like Arabic or international studies," Findley said.

Rose has been a member of AFJROTC since his sophomore.

"I think the training I received in that program helped tremendously with the scholarship application because of all the leadership and discipline experience I gained from it," he said.

While Findley was not a part of an ROTC program in high school, both his parents and grandparents served in the Marine Corps.

"No one ever pushed into this career. It was just something I just wanted to do," he said. "The only direction they did push me was to find an officer training program."

When Findley had decided this was really the career path he wanted, he said his parents sat him down in front of the computer to research the different scholarships and options available for officer training.

"Growing up, I was like most kids who changed their minds on a regular basis about what I wanted to do when I grew up, but I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to be like my parents," Findley said.

As for Rose, he said he just knew that he wanted to serve his country.

"After seeing the events that have happened in this country like 9/11, I thought it was important for everyone to serve their country in some way," Rose said.

Upon graduating from college, both men will be commissioned as second lieutenants in the Marine Corps and have to serve eight years of active and inactive duty.

Each year, only 250 Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships are granted across the country. Recipients also receive a textbook stipend and a monthly allowance through the scholarship, which starts at $200 and increases by $50 over four years.

The Asker » Blog Archive » What is the best way to become an Air ...

Usually the military- Air Force,Army Marines and Navy prefer that you already have a pilots license. They have tougher standards than they had during the Vietnam Era where a high school Diploma/GED was good enough. I recruited for the Army for 3 years in 1991 and the Army requirement was at a minimum, a private pilots license and many flight hours. Instructor certification is also a plus. My best advice would be for you to visit an Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Office and find out what their requirements are and then plan your life around whichever service you plan to join. You should check out all the services because they all have aircraft, some the same and some unique to their service. They all have different age limits and education requirements so I feel it is best to visit your local recruiting office. I salute your willingness and courage to joining the military to serve this great nation.

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