Senior to Soldier

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By Stephanie Domurat

Story Published: Mar 30, 2009 at 6:28 PM MST

Story Updated: Mar 31, 2009 at 6:08 AM MST

BILLINGS - Even with Americans fighting two wars, there is an upswing in the number of high school seniors entering the military.

Senior prom is a day many high schoolers look forward to all year. But high school graduation? Some long for that day starting their freshman year.

"Wow, I'm graduating this year, class of 09!" says Senior High Student Tom Henderson.

Tom is one of those students. Just two months from graduating, he is already planning to trade his cap and gown for a different uniform. "I'm very excited and ready to get started." Six days after the ceremony, Tom will head to Butte, Montana where he'll begin training for the U.S. Army.

"It will set me up for life, basically, make me from a boy into a man, like my father used to say." He made the decision to enlist just a few weeks into his senior year. Since then, five of his friends have also decided to enlist. Recent trends show they're not alone.

"We have seen a dramatic increase actually this year with seniors joining," says Major Joseph Lendo, U.S. Army Rectruiting Commander. Major Lendo says nearly 70 area high school Seniors have enlisted this year, up nearly 60% over the last two years. Nationwide, enlistments in all the armed forces are up. Recruiters say the economy is likely the reason.

"We see there's a lot of uncertainty with what jobs there will be. So they know, they need skills training to get a new job and the army offers that."

Montana's unemployment rate is at six percent. Although that's lower than the national average, some students believe the military offers them more opportunities. "I think it had a little to do with that it's at least a guaranteed paycheck," says Henderson.

For Tom, it's not so much the security or the paycheck, but rather the pride that comes from serving his country. "I want to help the country as much as I can." Once his high school plans and dances come to an end, he'll be on his way to doing just that.

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