For fifteen years, the organization Our Community Salutes has championed the value of military service, especially for high school graduates contemplating their future. Ken Hartman, a former U.S. Army officer and the founder of this patriotic group, emphasizes the transformative power of military experience.
Hartman highlights how military service cultivates crucial leadership abilities that benefit individuals not only in their professional lives but also in their roles as citizens. He expressed concern on "America Reports" about the declining interest in military service among young people, attributing this shift to prevailing narratives that discourage enlistment. This trend presents a significant national defense challenge and limits opportunities for personal growth and societal contribution.
Hartman points to data showing that veterans tend to graduate from college earlier, earn more throughout their careers, and build valuable networks. He illustrated this point with the story of Marine Corps veteran Javier Galvan, an immigrant who realized his American dream through military service, ultimately becoming a physician.
Hartman stressed the military's historical role as a springboard for upward mobility and access to the American dream. He countered the narrative that discourages enlistment by highlighting that a majority of service members serve for only four years before pursuing other opportunities. He underscored the importance of conveying the message that military service remains a viable pathway to personal and professional success.
