Merrillville Station ceremony helps parents and family members ease into Army life

By Mr. Michael Scheck, Chicago Army Recruiting BattalionOctober 24, 2012

Say goodbye
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Family goodbye
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MERRILLVILLE, Ind. - The Army recruiting process is a series of commitments. The prospect commits to the Army interview; the applicant commits to process and enlist; the Future Soldier commits to shipping off to basic training. And although parents and family members have shared in the enlistment process, shipping to basic training causes them the most anxiety.

Recruiters at the Merrillville, Ind., Army Recruiting Station have initiated a special ceremony for Future Soldiers prior to shipping out to basic training, according to Center Commander Sgt. 1st Class Roberto Castro. Castro and the Merrillville Future Soldier Leader Staff Sgt. Clem Carter introduced the shipper recognition program as a way for families to properly say goodbye to loved ones and to allay some of the separation anxiety.

"We wanted the family members to have the feeling that their sons and daughters are in the best hands and to let the Future Soldiers know that we are committed to their families that have supported them throughout the process," Castro said. "We also want the family and friends of Future Soldiers to know that they are now part of the Army family."

The ceremony has some mixed emotions Castro said, so it's important keep the atmosphere relaxed. "The parents know that the Army is an important step in their son or daughter's life, but it's also a sad time because of the separation," Castro said. "The ceremony is also another opportunity for the recruiter to interact with the Future Soldier's influencers and reassure them that they've help them make the right choice."

As part of the ceremony, recruiters offer information on what Future Soldiers can expect at basic training. "The biggest concern for parents is contact information for their Soldier and how long before they're able to talk to their son or daughter," Castro said. "We also reassure the families that they can reach out to us at the Merrillville Station at any time with questions and concerns."

Castro says that Merrillville has programs in place to ensure a seamless transition from Future Soldier to basic training Soldier.

"We treat Future Soldiers like Soldiers by holding them to the same standards and discipline of an Army Soldier," Castro said. "We stress the importance of the family, building strength through unit cohesiveness and developing a strong sense of community."

The station, according to Castro, follows the Army principle of good stewardship.

"We want to be remembered as someone who leaves this area in better shape than they found it," Castro said. "Our mission is to help our Future Soldiers achieve their dreams in the Army and when they do return to the area, contribute to the community."

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