Enlisted Coalers

Seven Coal City High School graduates headed to the military

SEVEN GRADUATES from the Coal City High School class of 2019 intend to serve in the armed forces. Each of the graduates was recognized during the school's commencement ceremony on Sunday. Students who will serve their country include (from left) Kameron Ruhrup, U.S. Army; Walker Hanson, U.S. Air Force; Joshua Chubb, U.S. Marine Corps; Brian Robbins, U.S. Marine Corps; Hussien Knittel, U.S. Army National Guard; Sean McGouirk, U.S. Army National Guard and Benjamin Hawkins, U.S. Navy. Photo by Ann Gill

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STAFF REPORT

“Being a soldier is more than courage, it's sacrificing yourself for something greater than yourself.”
The anonymous quote accurately depicts seven members of the Coal City High School class of 2019, as each has decided to serve their country as members of the armed forces.
Graduates Joshua Chubb, Walker Hanson, Benjamin Hawkins, Hussien Knittel, Brian Robbins and Kameron Ruhrup intend to join the military, joining fellow graduate Sean McGouirk who enlisted in the Army National Guard in summer 2018 completing his basic training at Fort Leonardwood in Missouri.
McGouirk, the son of Paula Bauman and John Bauman, is the first from his immediate family to enlist. He saw military service as a great way to get out of his comfort zone, be introduced to and making friends with a diverse group of people all while doing something honorable.
“To be a part of something bigger than myself, to discipline myself to be physically and mentally tough,” he said are among the reasons he entered military service. More so, he added “to do anything for the country that has done everything for me, and to defend those I care about even if that means forfeiting my life.”
Knittel, the son of Dean and Julia Knittel, will also enlist in the Army National Guard. He is slated to report to basic training at Fort Leonard Wood on July 17.
Through military service, Knittel hopes to travel the world and live experiences that can be used throughout his life. Knittel plans to attend college where he will study physics and engineering. His goal is to become a civil engineer and build the world's tallest skyscraper.
Hawkins, the son of Nicole Hawkins and Roger Hawkins, is following in his father's footsteps by enlisting in the Navy. He is scheduled to report to Great Lakes Naval Training Station on May 29.
In serving his country, Hawkins said it was something he thought a lot about in how it will change his life. The opportunities and life experiences military service provides, along with continuing a family tradition of military service, is what led to his decision to enlist.
When his service is complete, Hawkins hopes to work in the nuclear industry.
Ruhrup, the son of Kevin and Karen Ruhrup, signed on to the U.S. Army in June 2018 , leaves for basic training at Fort Benning, GA on June 18.
Serving his country is something Ruhrup has always wanted to do and he follows in the footsteps of his brother, Konner who is currently enlisted in the Army.
“I can do more in the Army than I could anywhere else,” Ruhrup said.
He plans to make a career out of the military and upon his retirement from the Army, the future soldier said he plans to enjoy and take advantage of the opportunities provided to him.
Hanson will also report to basic training on June 18. He is heading to San Antonio, TX to join the Air Force.
The son of Michelle and Shawn Hanson, the future airman believes his service will provide him with opportunities to better himself and lead to a potential career.
“I will use my military career wisely to transfer into civilian life,” Hanson said.
He reports his grandfather served in the Air Force.
Robbins and Chubb will join the Marine Corps. Chubb departs July 31 for Paris Island in South Carolina and Robbins to Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA on Aug. 7.
Joining the military is something Chubb has wanted since he was a young boy, and he made a promise to a family member that he would pursue his goal after high school.
The son of Mark Chubb and Kim Olroyd, Chubb plans to make a career out of his military service. He reports his grandfather served in the U.S. Army.
Robbins, the son of Anthony and Shelia Lombardi, follows in the footsteps of his grandfather and brother in serving in the Marine Corps.
“I was at my brother’s graduation from USMC boot camp and decided it was what I wanted to do,” Robbins said.
Through his service, Robbins hopes to improve himself, serve his country and push his boundaries.
When his service time is complete he plans to enter the field of engineering.