Everyone has a destiny, and each individual is searching for their purpose.  There a variety of students roaming the halls of Cannon Falls, but one in particular is aiming towards a purpose that is truly noble.  Brendan Klitzke, a senior at Cannon Falls High School, has always had a desire to join the armed forces, with no particular reason why.  There was no doubt in his mind that joining the National Guard was the path he wanted to take.  He states that “Once I heard what Guard had to offer, there was no changing my mind.  Joining was the best decision I ever made.”  

Brendan completed basic training this past summer at Fort Jackson in South Carolina and aspires to be a 91B mechanic.  To provide a quick synopsis, a 91B mechanic specializes in the supervision and recovery of military wheeled vehicles (National Guard).  This position requires a lot of instruction, including that from the usual basic training as well as 12 weeks of Advanced Individual Training (AIT).  Even though it takes some time, Brendan was willing to follow this path.

As mentioned previously, Brendan did not have a particular reason for wanting to join.  He is even the first person in his family to join the armed forces since World War Two.  

He had the honor of leading the Color Guard during the school’s annual Veterans Day program.  While he was in elementary school, Brendan always admired the veterans so he was thrilled to lead them in this year’s program.  This is a unique and honorable opportunity that will be extremely memorable and motivating for him.  Brendan commented by saying “Those men made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country and being able to honor them was something I’ll never forget.”  There are many people, such as Brendan, who are willing to make sacrifices and who feel the need to serve.  These people sometimes even lay down their lives for our country, and we are forever grateful.  Brendan’s advice for any future generations who wish to join is “Talk to recruiters! Joining could be the best thing you ever do!”