In honor of the “Month of the Military Child,” 7th Signal Command (Theater) (7SC(T)) is featuring two of our personnel for whom military service is not only a personal calling, but a family legacy.
A recent survey of teens from military families found that 44% planned to join the military, compared to 9% of the general public ages 16-24—so it’s no surprise many outstanding Soldiers and Department of Army Civilians have children—or parents—who also choose to serve.
Command Sergeant Major Jovan Velasquez, of 7SC(T)’s 93d Signal Brigade, headquartered in Fort Eustis, Virginia, is proud that his son, Jovan Jr., plans to commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army when he graduates in 2026.

Jovan, Jr. has lived in Georgia, North Carolina, Hawaii, Virginia, Alaska, and Germany as his dad’s Army career has taken them to a new location every few years. He also endured his dad’s long absences from home, including this deployment to Iraq when Jovan, Jr. was 7 years old.
CSM Velasquez paused for a long moment when asked how he feels about his son choosing to serve in the Army after growing up as a military child.
“I have mixed emotions,” CSM Velasquez admitted. “I’m of course extremely proud of him and his achievements. But as a father, having taken care of him all his life—understanding that I can’t protect him anymore is the hard part.”

Jovan, Jr. is in Army ROTC at Fayetteville State University in North Carolina. He hasn't settled on a specific career path yet, but, as CSM Velasquez pointed out, "Whatever your passion is, the Army offers that.” He added, “It’s not really a job if it’s something you love.”
Jovan, Jr. said his father is the main reason he chose to serve: “Seeing his passion for service and the positive impact he has on his family, friends, and subordinates is very inspiring, to others and myself.” He added that his grandfather retired from the 82d Airborne at Ft. Liberty, and his uncle is a retired Marine.
In high school, Jovan, Jr. was a standout athlete in football, baseball, track & field, and basketball. In 2022, he was Most Valuable Player in the DODEA-Europe Division III basketball tournament and was also a DODEA Co-Athlete of the Year.
When Jovan, Jr. entered college, however, he chose ROTC over competitive sports—and has had no regrets. After a recent visit to Army Special Operations Command, Jovan, Jr. called his father late at night to tell him all about it.
“He said, ‘I’m so happy I did ROTC,’” CSM Velasquez remarked. “That moment was a real validation for me.” He added he hopes a military career will allow Jovan, Jr. to see himself as a leader, as he usually lets others, including his siblings, have the spotlight.
Many Department of Army Civilians also have immediate family members who have served in the military. IT specialist Faith Young, who works at the Ft. Stewart, Georgia Network Enterprise Center, recalled childhood memories of hearing about her father's Army service, which ended before she was born.
“He was drafted and spent 2 years in France, then 4 years in the Reserves stationed at Ft. A.P. Hill [now Ft. Walker],” Ms. Young said. “He used to always talk about his time in the Reserves and show us slide shows of photos from back then.”

After high school, Ms. Young decided she wasn’t ready for college, but she wanted to keep moving forward—and she wanted to travel like her dad had in the Army—so she enlisted.
“My dad did not encourage me to join the military,” Ms. Young said, “but he supported me when I did even though it wasn’t what he would have chosen for me.” Her father went with her to the recruiting center and signed for her to join, since she was only 17 years old.

After a 20-year Army career in the Signal Corps and later Chemical Corps, Ms. Young retired in 2004 after deploying to Iraq for a year while her son was in preschool and kindergarten. In 2009, she began working in policy and planning—"more like an IT project manager,” she clarified—as a Department of Army Civilian—at the Ft. Stewart, Georgia Network Enterprise Center.
Ms. Young said joining the Army was the best decision for her at the time, and she would encourage any young person to consider it especially if they aren’t sure what path to follow.
“I would say take a chance, and see what you can learn!” she said. “I learned how to fit into each organization and become a leader. I didn’t go to college immediately, but later I was the first person in my immediate family to get my Master’s in cybersecurity.”
7SC(T) leadership and staff extend our sincere appreciation to military children and to all those who choose to serve their country. Learn more about the Month of the Military Child here.
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