After enlisting in the national guard in 2019, Boise State cadet Jason Heinz decided to pursue a college education at Boise State University. He joined the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and quickly got involved with many of the real-world learning opportunities in the program.
During his time in ROTC, Jason has volunteered a few times for the Color Guard, and he described it as an experience that brought him a great sense of pride. “The first time I ever did the Color Guard, it was on Memorial Day and I got to present the American flag in front of a group of veterans. I was very nervous, but once I got up there it was such a rewarding experience.”
Jason shared the sense of honor that being in the Color Guard has brought to him over his years at Boise State, and explained some of the current needs that the program faces. “Some of our equipment is old and could really use some upgrades. For example, our American flag is falling off the pole and we’ve had to try and tie it up with a paracord. It’s just simple things like that, but we could really use some updated equipment.”
Cadets like Jason find the ROTC program invaluable in providing a comprehensive educational experience, complete with both classroom and hands-on learning opportunities. He emphasized the critical role that Boise State’s ROTC program has played in his life and college years, sharing, “If it weren’t for ROTC, I probably wouldn’t be in college. It’s put me on a great path for success and is getting me where I want to be.”
Following graduation, Jason plans to attend flight school. “I recently applied to be a pilot with the Idaho National Guard…our program staff helped me apply and get the job.” Through the ROTC/ Military Science program at Boise State, Jason was also able to spend a month training in Germany, shadowing and training with a current pilot and learning about the career.
Cadets like Jason thrive when they are able to participate in the hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that the program provides. Support for these programs ensures that these students have the chance to try out their desired career prior to graduation, and helps to set them up for success.