Veterans Day '09 – Young People's Role in America's Armed Forces

Retired Army Command Major Michele Jones participates in a Veterans Day celebration at Murrah High School

From the lagging economy, to increased crime, young people today are having to make some tough decisions about life. One option that remains strong is the military. As veterans day approaches MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how a group of inner city kids are getting a close look at some of the benefits the military has to offer.

During a veterans day celebration at Murrah High School in Jackson yesterday, Retired Army Command Major Michele Jones spoke frankly to students.

“I was a soldier who just happens to be African American and just happens to be born as a woman. Sure there’s different dynamics when you’re a woman and a man obviously. However, when you’re a leader you’re a leader. It doesn’t matter what you were born as. And these students can see that. They can see someone who looks like them and the world is there’s. Whether they choose the military, whether they choose another career the opportunities are there for them.”

Faced with an uncertain future and a desire to accomplish something 12th grader Cedrick Young, a JROTC Company Commander at Murrow will begin active service as soon as he graduates.

“I chose to fight for something that I believe is worth fighting for other than people that are here going after these drugs and battling nonsense. And ah, I thought it would be a good idea to have a different mindset.”

A lot of Mississippi teens are taking advantage of the benefits the military has to offer. Veronica Baker is the senior Army instructor at Murrah.

“You still have a teenagers who are willing to raise their right hand even today to serve their country. And some of them look at it from the educational side, the benefits that the military provides. Some of it is because of their family history. Then students, adults, are still enlisting in our military armed forces.”

Schools across the state will be honoring veterans this week with programs and one on one visits with Mississippi veterans. For MPB News, I'm Lawayne Childrey.