achieved academic honor roll status from
2016 to 2018.
Minjock had no doubt about his career
path after college. “I have always had
a passion for joining the military and
serving my country,” he says. “For all
this country has provided for me and my
family, I owe my part to help contribute
to the protection of those values and
freedoms.”
Three days after graduating from
Waynesburg, Minjock left for Army
Basic Training at Fort Benning in
Columbus, GA. “It was six months of
incredibly challenging and rigorous
work, both physically and mentally,” says
Minjock. “Transitioning from civilian
life to the Army can be the hardest part
for some people. The process can be
uncomfortable and rigorous at first, but
once you take control and get the hang of
it, you’re confident and ready for any task
or challenge that comes your way. All the
hard work pays off in the long run, even if
it seems like it won’t at times.”
He graduated from basic training last
summer and began Officer Candidate
School (OCS), also at Fort Benning.
In October, Minjock graduated and
was commissioned as an officer with the
rank of second lieutenant.
The transition from a civilian to
an Army officer took six months, and
with it came major responsibilities.
“You’re expected to be an effective
leader, maintain high integrity and
“For all this country has provided
for me and my family, I owe my part
to help contribute to the protection
of those values and freedoms.”
professionalism,
and be ready
to combat
any challenge
that’s thrown
your way,” he
says. “You’re
in charge of
Army soldiers,
including
supervising
them and
making sure
they’re on the
right track to
achieving their
goals and tasks.
It’s a journey
for a cause and
mission bigger
than you could
ever imagine.
Mark with fellow Officer Candidate School graduates.
You must
rail, air and sea in the United States and
do your part to be an effective asset to
throughout the world. After his training,
achieving the Army’s missions and tasks.”
he’ll receive his permanent assignment.
According to Minjock, the Army
“I’m hoping to be stationed somewhere
provides an opportunity to learn skills
in the United States—preferably the East
and develop abilities that you can’t
Coast—but it could be anywhere in the
receive elsewhere—valuable skills and
world where the U.S. has an Army base,”
knowledge that can help you the rest of
he explains.
your life.
“I want to maximize my potential
Minjock is currently stationed at Fort
and help others become the most
Lee in Virginia, where he’s receiving
effective and proficient soldiers they can
training in the Transportation Corps,
be,” continues Minjock. “Both of my
which is responsible for the movement of
grandfathers served in the Army and have
all Army personnel and material by truck,
always been great role models. I want to
follow in their footsteps and hope to be
someone who can help inspire future
family members and others become
successful and live the right kind of life,
like my grandfathers taught me.”
Minjock’s future plans include pursuing
work in law enforcement within the
state of Pennsylvania upon completion
of his military career. “Joining the
Army after graduating college was one
of the best decisions I’ve ever made,”
he says. “The military is pretty unique
in that all walks of life from across the
country come together as a team. My
Army ‘battle buddies’ and myself came to
Fort Benning as complete strangers. By
the end of training, we were brothers for
life. I have made many friendships that
will last the rest of my life—I truly enjoy
the teamwork and comradery. The Army
instills great values and lessons to helping
you become the best you can be.” ■
Mark with his parents Pamela and Mike at OCS graduation.
PETERS TOWNSHIP
❘
F EB R UA RY / M A R C H 2019
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