TJ Pierce-Demski has military experience within his family, and this why he will be joining the military forces after high school. His adoptive parents are both police officers, and many other members of his adoptive family have served in the military. Pierce-Demski feels excited and prepared for the military because all his life he has participated in leadership programs, like Boy Scouts, where he advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout.
“I’ve been in Boy Scouts for a long time. I love volunteering and helping others,” Pierce-Demski said.
In order to keep in touch with his family members, he will have to write letters. It might be difficult to communicate especially during intense training sessions. The officers have a busy and strict schedule, but they are allowed to write to their loved ones. There is rarely technology access on military grounds, which sounds very stressful, but most officers aren’t bothered by the inconvenience. Pierce-Demski won’t possess a cell phone, computer, or tablet. There will only be a wall phone for emergencies. With the amount of training, technology is seen as more of an interference and distraction.
Although Pierce-Demski wants to pursue his career as a military officer, at some point he still wants to attend college to further his education. The military will provide money for his future schooling in exchange for his work and dedication to the service.
“At some point I will attend college. I will use the GI bill that the military provides to pay for college,” Pierce-Demski said.
Pierce-Demski has been training for the military at Great Lakes Base in Northern Chicago. He has been training and preparing for a while, and participating in the military will be his first employment. He wants to serve a total of 20 years.