NRS Rapid City celebrates future Sailors

ByPettyOfficer1stClassFredGrayIV

Navy Talent Acquisition Group Northern Plains

Navy Recruiting Station (NRS) Rapid City, partof Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG)NorthernPlains,helda‘FairWinds and Following Seas’ celebration event for future Sailors at Canyon Lake Park, Rapid City,S.D.,May20,2023

The event was open to all future Sailors fromthearea,aswellas,theirfriends,family, educatorsandmentors

“Toholdthiseventwasanhonorforusat NATGNorthernPlains,”saidChiefAviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Matthew Fuchs, recruiterassignedtoNRSRapidCity “These men and women are about to embark on a life changing journey by joining the U.S. Navy,andhavingmadethatdecisionmyself, wantedtobepartofhostinganeventtoshow oursupportandadmirationforthem.”

The event consisted of food and games, and provided an opportunity for the future sailors to interact with each other before departing for Navy basic training located at

RecruitTrainingCommandGreatLakes,Ill “Itwassuperexcitingtohavetherecruitersmeetoutfamiliesandprovidedalotmore motivationonmydecisiontojointheNavy,” saidJennaDaniel,futureSailorandCentral High School graduate from Rapid City, S.D. She is most excited about learning her new job as a Culinary Specialist, and being able to get out there and see the world, Daniel added.

“I think the event was very welcoming, well put together and included some fun activities that brought everyone together, and I think for the other recruits this will provide some insight as to what to expect when they join,” said Christopher Daniel fatheroffutureSailorJennaDanielandprior AirForce.“Everyone[inthemilitary]isjust one big family no matter what walk of life theycomefrom.”

During the event the recruiters made themselvesavailableforquestionsfromthe friends and family members of the future Sailors

It was great to meet and interact with otherswhoarejoiningtheNavy,saidMalyki Herbaugh, future Sailor and Central High SchoolgraduatefromRapidCity Heislooking forward to the military lifestyle and the storiesandexperienceshewillbeabletotalk about,addedHerbaugh.

Approximately 70 people attended the event in support of the nine future Sailors that were able to make it. The nine future Sailors were: Jenna Daniel, Central High School graduate from Rapid City, S.D., Lex Zuniga, Western Dakota Technical College Graduate from Rapid City, Alex Wells, currently attending Central High School fromRapidCity,JoshuaFrye,CentralHigh School graduate from Rapid City Malyki Herbaugh, Central High School graduate from Rapid City RayAnn Ward Dupree High School graduate from Eagle Butte, S.D., Dustin Baxter, Lakota Technical High School graduate from Pine Ridge, S.D., Carson Casey, Stevens High School graduatefromRapidCity,andLukasLeier,Stevens HighSchoolgraduatefromRapidCity.

“We cannot commend these future Sail- ors enough for their decision to join,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Jason Standiford, recruiterassignedtoNRSRapidCity “Their driveandperseverancetodecidetojointhe world’s greatest Navy and make their positiveimpactsontheworldissomethingthey allshouldbeproudof.”

“The event was wonderful and informative, it was really nice to feel included I the event,”saidMelissaDaniel,motheroffuture Sailor Jenna Daniel “I really think that this isagreatopportunityforher,andIamreally happythatsheisjoiningtheNavy.”

For more information on opportunities withtheNavy,gotowww.navy.com,orvisit yourlocalU.S.Navyrecruitingoffice

NTAG Northern Plains is responsible for the U.S. Navy’s enlisted and officer recruiting, covering 393,000 square miles in the statesofNorthDakota,SouthDakota,Iowa, Minnesota, and parts of Illinois, Nebraska andWisconsin.