Illinois Brothers fulfill lifelong dream, join Army

By Mr Michael Scheck (USAREC)August 3, 2011

Brothers enlist
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Brothers enlist
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Brothers Kyle and Joseph Rybarczyk took different academic paths after graduating from Rolling Meadows High School in Rolling Meadows, Ill.

Kyle graduated in 2007 and soon after attended Carroll University in Waukesha, Wis., where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in criminal justice. Joseph graduated in 2008 and attended Harper Junior College pursuing an education degree. And although higher education is a goal in both their lives, their desire to join the Army has been a passion.

"We always knew that we were going to enlist in the Army, but I wanted to graduate from college first," Kyle admits.

"Even when we were kids, we talked about joining the Army," Joseph said. "I was losing my focus in college and decided now was the time to talked to a recruiter."

The brothers both admit they have a strong desire to serve their country, but agree the discipline honed while serving in the Army was the overriding lure of an enlistment.

Younger brother Joe leaves for basic training at Fort Jackson, S.C., in mid-January. He’ll then train at Fort Sill, Okla., to become a fire support specialist (MOS 13F). Kyle ships for basic training, also at Fort Jackson, in early February and will attend his advanced individual training at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., to become an intelligence specialist (35F).

"People join when they are emotionally ready," said Sgt. Wesley Sams, the Rybarczyk brothers’ recruiter and now their Future Soldier manager. "I knew that they had made the commitment to enlist even before they walked into the recruiting station. Those are the individuals that make the best Soldiers."

Kyle plans a career in law enforcement after his enlistment, while Joseph wants to be a math teacher.

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