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5 Moffat County High School graduates enlist in military

Sasha Nelson
The 2017 graduating class includes five Moffat County students who have decided to enter military service. Pictured from left, Jacinda Newkirk, Wyatt Bellio, Bryce Holland, Jason Carrico and Christa Bird.
Sasha Nelson

Americans will take time during Memorial Day weekend to remember the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice in serving their county.

Three young men and two young women from Moffat County have decided one way to honor the military is by enlisting.

At the end of graduation practice on Friday, school counselor Paula Duzik asked “military kids” to stay behind so that the Craig Daily Press could learn more about their plans, what they would miss about civilian life, and what they were most looking forward to experiencing.
Jacinda Newkirk

Branch of the military: U.S. Air Force

Craig Daily Press: Why did you decide to enlist in the Air Force?

Newkirk: A family friend is in the Air Force, and he had influence on me. It sounded like a great opportunity.

CDP: Does your family have a history of service?

Newkirk: I’m the first in my immediate family.

CDP: What will you miss the most?

Newkirk: My mom’s cooking.

CDP: What are you most looking forward to experiencing?

Newkirk: Making a new family of friends. I’m excited to work on a really big aircraft carrier and fighter jets.


Bryce Holland

Branch of the military: U.S. Army

CDP: Why did you decide to go into the military?

Holland: Since I was 6, I wanted to be in the military. I plan to become a Black Hawk Helicopter mechanic. I want to be a pilot. I’ll start as a mechanic and then become a pilot.

CDP: Does your family have a history of service?

Holland: My uncle served in the Navy.

CDP: What will you miss the most?

Holland: Mountain Dew. We won’t be allowed soda until December.

CDP: What are you most looking forward to experiencing?

Holland: Getting to travel. I’ve wanted to see the world for awhile, and I’ll get a chance to do that.

CDP: Do you have any advice for future graduates?

Holland: If kids aren’t into college, military is a good choice. You don’t have to go into combat, there are options for college study and pay.


Wyatt Bellio

Branch of the military: U.S. Marine Corps

CDP: How are you feeling about entering the military?

Bellio: Awesome, excited, ready. I can’t wait.

CDP: Why did you decide to join the military?

Bellio: I wanted to make a difference and make a challenge in my life. I plan to go into engineering, combat engineering.

CDP: Does your family have a history of service?

Bellio: My grandfather was drafted into the Army. Family on my grandmother’s side served.

CDP: What will you miss the most?

Bellio: I will miss the people.

CDP: What are you most looking forward to experiencing?

Bellio: Everything, traveling, meeting new people, doing new things and meeting new people.


Jason Carrico

Branch of the military: U.S. Army

CDP: Why did you choose to go Army?

Carrico: I was able to pick my MOS, my job. I’m going to be a helicopter mechanic for Chinooks. I want to become a crew chief and that’s the fastest way.

CDP: Does your family have a history of service?

Carrico: My grandfather was Army and served in Vietnam.

CDP: What will you miss the most?

Carrico: Seeing my friends everyday.

CDP: What are you most looking forward to experiencing?

Carrico: Not the running part. Seeing the world, getting out of Craig.


Christa Bird

Branch of the military: U.S. Air Force

CDP: Why did you decide to enlist in the Air Force?

Bird: My dad was in the Air Force and the academic opportunities are geared toward what I want to do. I want to either be an EMT or go into the engineering services.

CDP: Does your family have a history of service?

Bird: My father was in the Air Force. I strive to follow in his footsteps.

CDP: What will you miss the most?

Bird: Relationships with my sister, father and stepmom.

CDP: What are you most looking forward to experiencing?

Bird: Traveling for free. Getting an education without having to pay for it. Being able to build credit and not debt.

Contact Sasha Nelson at 970-875-1794 or snelson@CraigDailyPress.comor follow her on Twitter @CDP_Education


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