Devoted to serve

The spirited standing ovation for graduates entering the military wasn’t anything out of the ordinary at the Cedar Grove-Belgium High School commencement ceremony on June 2.

Crowds often cheer loudly for those who choose to defend America’s freedom.

But this time it was a little different.

Principal Josh Ketterhagen asked the audience to hold its applause until everyone was announced, per usual. It just took longer than normal to read the names.

Nine of the 84 graduates — 10.7% — are going into military service.

Brett Feind is joining the Navy because he said he’s a good swimmer and he wants to go to firefighter school. He plans to be a machinist mate.

Chris Jentges is joining the Army to be part of an artillery airborne unit. He described their tasks as shooting and jumping out of planes.

Zach Zimpelman is entering the Marines “to become a part of the elite” and to go to college. He wants to be a diesel mechanic.

Mason Noll is entering the Army to gain tuition assistance and wants to be a tank mechanic.

Jacob Bohlman is entering the Army for career opportunities and wants to be an aircraft mechanic.

Wesley Katte is going into the Air Force to serve his country. He wants to work with planes.

Katie Mueller is joining the Army to get her education. She wants to work in military intelligence.

Brenden Kruschke is going into the Army to serve his country and wants to be a Patriot Missile mechanic.

Some of the graduates may be eating Wade Navis’ cooking. Navis has entered the Army Reserve as part of a family tradition. His grandfather and great-grandfather served in the military. He wants to earn money for college and learn culinary skills.