For some students, a large chunk of time their senior year is spent figuring out what they want to do after graduation.

 

For Sam Backus, a member of the Bridgeport High School Class of 2022, he had his plans figured out a long time ago and on Monday he made them a reality becoming a member of the United States Army Reserve.

 

A signing ceremony, proceeded by an impromptu swearing in ceremony, took place in the conference room at The CityNet Center on Monday in front of a crowd of family, friends and his recruitment officers.

 

“It was always in the back of mind, even in elementary school, I had an idea that once I got out of high school I should probably join the military,” Backus said. “It would help me in a lot of ways and I would be serving my country.

 

“There is some military experience within my family. My Dad was part of the Army and I have some distant relatives that were also part of it.”

 

The majority of elementary-aged children seldom have the conviction to stick with the idea of what they want to do when the grow up.

 

Backus, however, didn’t waver. He completed his MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station) evaluation and officially enlisted earlier this summer.

 

With Monday’s paperwork out of the way, he now sets his sights on reporting to basic training at Fort Jackson in South Carolina in the middle of August.

 

One of the first things most think of when they discuss basic training is the grueling conditioning centered around running.

 

Backus might be the most prepared recruit in South Carolina in August for that aspect as he was a standout cross country runner and distance runner for the track and field team at BHS.

 

“Very much so, that has me prepared,” he said. “If I was not part of track or cross country it definitely would not have gotten me into the right kind of shape I need to be in.”

 

Still, he is expecting some physicality, and he’s ready to embrace it.

 

“I thought by putting myself into that type of experience, I could discipline myself,” Backus said. “It’s a little more of a challenge and I just like that whole aspect. I’m just looking forward to the physical challenges and some of the mental challenges that you go through. I want to be a part of that.”

 

The factor that being in the military can help with college isn’t lost on Backus either. And as of now his plans are being at basic training for three months then AIT (Advanced Individual Training) until around March then starting at West Virginia University in the fall of 2023.

 

Having the opportunity to serve his country is also huge motivation for Backus.

 

“I want to help out any way I can,” he said. “And I thought the military was the best way to do that.”