In a small village in Kenya, a young boy grew up as a simple farmer. Never did he dream of migrating to America. That young boy is now a 27-year-old man serving in the U.S. Army on Fort Riley.
Pfc. Justice Chirchir, 1st Combined Arms Battalion, 63rd Armored Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, grew up like many African boys. Chirchir would work in the mornings with his siblings, fetching water from the well that was more than an hour's walk away. He would tend to the livestock and also attended school. It wasn't until he was in high school that he discovered a different path than farmer.
"I had a friend who was ahead of me in school," Chirchir said. "He was a runner and received a scholarship to come to American and run at a university."
Chirchir saw what his classmate accomplished and realized he, too, might have the opportunity to attend college in America, he said.
"I wasn't running before I learned of this," Chirchir said. "I wasn't sure if I would be good enough to qualify for a scholarship."
Chirchir spent the next two years training. In January 2009, his hard work paid off and he found himself in El Paso, Texas, at the University of Texas at El Paso with a full athletic scholarship.
By the time Chirchir finished his collegiate running career in 2011, he qualifyed for the NCAA Track and Field Championships and was named the 2011 Conference USA athlete of the year. He was also was recognized by UTEP for being a top student athlete in the field of nursing and chemistry.
As Chirschir ended his academic eligibility, he felt like he needed to give something back, but wasn't sure how. In 2013, he found the Army.
"The Army gave me a chance to give back, but also allowed me to continue my studies," Chirchir said. "I'm not just giving back, but I am getting something in return. I get experience being a medic and to finish my degree"
His choice is a welcomed one as his co-workers appreciate what he has brought to his unit.
"He is an awesome guy to have around," said Spc. Patrick Riley, 1st Bn., 63 Armor Regt., 2nd ABCT, 1st Inf. Div. "You cannot be around him and be in a bad mood.
"If I'm in a bad mood, I find Chirchir and in seconds I'm smiling again."
Chirchir's value goes beyond just cheering people up. He is also a big contributor to the success of his Army team.
"I would love to have 10 Chirchirs," said Sgt. Christopher Phillips, 1st Bn., 63rd Armor Regt., 2nd ABCT, 1st Inf. Div. "He is the first one to volunteer, and during sick call he is one of the most attentive medics I've seen."
Chirchir's work hasn't stopped at the unit level. He spends his personal time as a member of the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley Ten-Miler team. He is set to represent his fellow "Big Red One" Soldiers during the annual Army Ten-Miler in October.
"It doesn't surprise me that he would tell you the reason he joined was because he wanted to give back … that's just who he is," Riley said.
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