From Sgt. Jonathan L. Benton
Alabama Army National Guard Recruiter
These kids have worked hard and been through a lot with COVID-19 to get to where they are. They are members of the Class of 2020 at Elmore County High School.
Out of all the different assignments I’ve had in the Alabama Army National Guard, being a recruiter is definitely the most rewarding. I get to help develop our nation’s next generation of soldiers. With all that is going on in the world, you would never imagine that there would still be so many 17- and 18-year-olds that want to join the military.
Out of the Senior Class of 2020 at Elmore County High School, we had 10 seniors join the Alabama Army National Guard. ECHS produced more enlistments into the National Guard than any other high school in the state. These young adults all have big plans in their future and are some of the most motivated soldiers I have been around.
The future of our state and country is in good hands. These young adults are what make this country so great.
The Class of 2020 National Guard Enlistments from ECHS are as follows:
Kacie Blume
Alexus Esco
Savannah Taunton
Brandon Aguilar
Jordan McNeil
Brock Willis
O’Neill Estes
Jennifer Williams
Abby Middlebrooks
Tavares Pierson
Kacie Blume is following in her brother’s footsteps and becoming a Military Police Officer.
Alexus Esco and Savannah Taunton chose the same MOS, Transportation Management Coordinator, and volunteered to be placed in a unit that is going to Poland in Spring of 2021. They will also ship to basic training together.
Brock Willis and O’Neal Estes are best friends and both chose to pursue Utilities Equipment Repair. They will also ship to basic training together. O’Neill Estes’ father is a member of the Alabama Army National Guard, so O’Neill Estes has some big shoes to fill.
Jordan McNeil selected Utilities Equipment Repair and will follow in his uncle’s footsteps who is a 1SG in the National Guard.
Brandon Aguilar is joining his brother Jason who is already a member of the National Guard and chose the MOS of Light Wheel Vehicle Mechanic.
Jennifer Williams chose to be a Signal Support Systems Specialist.
Abby Middlebrooks may only be 4’10”, but she has the heart of a giant. She chose to pursue Automated Logistics.
Tavares Pierson will be a Signal Support Systems Specialist and plans to pursue a career in the communications field.
If anyone is interested in learning more about the Alabama Army National Guard, SGT Jonathan Benton can be reached at 334-452-5006.
