Nicole Wright
Staff Writer
Senior Joey Wagner is preparing for a big commitment in life as he is faced with graduation soon.
Many students plan out their future as they reach senior year. Some choose college, a trade school, or a gap year. However, for Wagner, his path has led him to the Air Force.
“My uncle and my grandpa were a big influence in my decision to join the Air Force. I’m very happy about it because of all the benefits and challenges it’ll bring to me,” Wagner said.
As the date gets closer, Wagner prepares to meet all required standards for the Air Force.
“I’ve taken a lot of steps including all medical stuff, as well as a lot of practice and getting prepared for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test,” he said.
The ASVAB is a multiple choice test, administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. You must pass to be qualified for enlistment in the United States Armed Forces.
He is going into it doing the buddy system with another senior, Jackson Boyles. They won’t be split up unless either of them decide to be stationed in a different location.
Wagner leaves in August for boot camp in Texas for six weeks, and then the fire academy for eight weeks.
His plan is to go for a total of six years and wants to be a fire tech. This will prepare him for his future career as he hopes to be a civilian firefighter when he is done.
Wagner has played baseball, basketball, football, track and golf throughout high school. He has found basketball to be his main passion. Not letting go of that, he’s going to play in the Air Force basketball league, in which, if he’s good, they’ll take him on the traveling team for the Air Force.
He has spent his high school years being a student athlete with only one job at the Welches Wraptitude. This will be a big change for him.
“I’m very excited to join and have this opportunity,” Wagner said.
The Pioneer Press 