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<\/a>\u201cI like the history and traditions of West Point,\u201d JT said. \u201cIt\u2019ll prepare me for the future, either in or out of the Army. I like the academy\u2019s motto of \u2018Duty, Honor, Country.\u2019 I like the concept of putting others first, working for the greater good, and protecting our freedoms.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy brother had a big impact on my decision,\u201d he continued. \u201cWe have always challenged each other, and I suspect we will continue to do so in the Army.\u201d<\/p>\n
JT (he decided to be called by his initials at an early age) is setting a high bar for himself. Nathan recently completed the annual Ranger competition, coming in third of 50 two-man teams in this elite group.<\/p>\n
Selection to West Point is highly competitive. The acceptance rate is about 10%. In addition to rigorous academic standards, the applicant must meet strenuous physical requirements, and be nominated by a congressperson \u2014 Rep. Susan Davis in JT\u2019s case \u2014 and no special treatment is accorded those recruited for sports.<\/p>\n
Once accepted, the new cadets attend classes during the academic year. In the summer, they are assigned to field units of the Army to gain insight into career paths available. The cadets do not incur a service obligation until the start of their junior year. After that, if they do not complete college, they must serve as enlisted persons for various lengths of service, depending on education completed. Upon graduation, the newly commissioned 2nd Lieutenants are required to serve five years to repay the taxpayer\u2019s investment in providing a tuition-free college education.<\/p>\n
Many football players shy away from the service academies because of the service requirement following college, which would interfere with a possible NFL career.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor right now, I\u2019ll concentrate on playing well at the college level,\u201d JT said. \u201cArmy plays some pretty stiff competition. I\u2019ll worry about the NFL if it comes up.\u201d<\/p>\n
JT has not decided on what fields he will pursue in college, or later, in the Army. He may follow his brother into the Rangers.<\/p>\n
By choosing the military, JT will not be following in the family business, T.B. Penick and Sons. If he had chosen that route, he would have been the fifth generation in the 105-year-old company.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do get a feeling of pride when I see the business name stamped in concrete all over San Diego,\u201d he admits. \u201cBut I\u2019ll leave that to my sister, Grace, who is already working with dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
Following The Beast, JT will start workouts with the football team. One challenge will be getting up to weight to play linebacker. In high school, he played at 6-foot-3-inches, 210 pounds. Army coaches want him at 240.<\/p>\n
JT has chosen a challenging and rewarding way forward in serving his country. It takes a special individual to choose the path of service and selflessness, becoming a team player in defense of our country.<\/p>\n
Good luck and God bless, JT. And thanks for your service.<\/p>\n