John M. Green
I grew up in a military family. My father was West Point graduate who made a career out of the Amy and married an Army Brat. My mother did not work. She delayed getting her degree in order to raise my sister and I. I will always be thankful for that, as I believe she kept us on the right path while my dad deployed. My father had many jobs during his time in the Army which brought our family from North Carolina (before I was born), to Ohio, then Texas, and finally Clarksville Tennessee. This is where I grew up. I lived in and around Clarksville for 12 years, the ladder half being the best of those. At the start of my seventh grade year, we moved out to a farm on the southern part of our county. Living on the farm had one of the most profound impacts on my life. It was there where I learned how to work hard and what a finished job looks like. Be it cutting down trees or building a new barn for the horses, you didn't quit until the job was done.
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I had always known I would go to college, but my father’s influence while I was in middle school ignited my interest in the United States Army. Once old enough he began sharing his experiences with me. As he recounted his memories of soldiers and their sacrificial service, I noted the heroism of the people he fought with. I also began to ask myself the question, “How are soldiers fighting today any different than me? Why should they have to put their lives on the line and not myself?” During my senior year of high school I applied for, and was awarded a four year Army ROTC scholarship to Furman University. My plan was and still is to commission as an Army Infantry Officer.
Despite the stress and heavy schedule of a cadet student, I still find the free time to continue my hobbies and be active in the Greek community. During winter my favorite thing to do is snowboard. However, when I can’t find snow, I like to go hiking, fly fishing, and shooting. At school, ROTC is what I am passionate about. My experiences in Ranger Challenge and patrolling in labs and during the FTX (Field Training Exercises), are some of my best memories. ROTC is not the only part of my life. I am a member of the Sigma Chi international Fraternity. It is a great group on campus and during the 2017 spring semester we were able to raise $22,000 dollars for the Huntsman Cancer Foundation. And, of course there is my degree, Politics and International Affairs.
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As I said above, I plan on receiving an active duty commission as an Infantry officer. Eventually my goal is to enter special forces, like my father. The stories of leadership, heroism, brotherhood, and professionalism amongst this select group are paralleled by very few. The chance to serve with them would be an honored privilege. I plan to serve a minimum of ten years in the military. When I get out, I will pursue a career in politics or business.