Jose Banuelos
Current Class: Sophomore
Graduation Date: May 2014
Major: Political Science
Minor: Military Science
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
On Choosing to Join Army ROTC
I have always had the desire to serve my country. Ever since I was little, joining the Army was always something that I thought I should do. I am thankful that I am able to wear the uniform of a soldier and I consider it an honor, privilege, and my duty to help defend and protect this nation. The ROTC teaches, educates, and trains the officers and leaders that will enter into the armed forces. By joining the Army ROTC, I will have the opportunity to lead men and women wherever the United States needs them to go. I am proud to be one of the few select and I know that the Army ROTC was right for me.
On Spiritual aspects on being in the ROTC and later Army
"God and Country" is one of the creeds that the BYU Army ROTC has. In the scriptures, I have always admired men like Captain Moroni, not because he delights in the shedding of blood, but because he is a man of honor. Viewing how the officers treat their men and each other has made me realize that they do not rely on their own strength, but on each other and their Creator. Not only are the men and women at the BYU Army ROTC educated and disciplined, but they're also spiritual. They love their God more than they love their country. Surely they're lead by more than the leaders of this country.
On what friends and/or family think of your participation in ROTC
Many of my friends and my family member were concerned about my decision in joining the Army ROTC. However, they were also supportive and proud about my decision. Many were worried because for several, especially my family, I was the first that they've know to join the Army ROTC. They had never known somebody to have actually joined the program and this was new to everyone, including myself. Having supportive friends and family members that sustain my decisions in life, help me realize why I'm truly in this program.
