JNSC recruits make families proud

There were plenty of smiles from well-wishers as 375 recruits graduated from the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) last Friday at Up Park Camp in Kingston.

But perhaps the biggest smiles were from the families of Chrisica Russell, 19, and Romaine Richards, 24, who were jointly presented with the Commandant's Award for Best Recruit.

"I feel elated. I am proud of myself for accomplishing my goal. My mother is my main motivator, and making her proud really drove me to do the best I could. Right now she is happy, she even carried posters as a way of motivation," a laughing Russell highlighted.

"The training was really hard, but I took on the challenge with persistence and perseverance. With that I managed to endure the pressure," she continued.

The JNSC is the standard mode of enlistment for persons joining the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF). The Commandant's Award is presented to the recruit who masters all elements of the training. Russell and Richards were the best in academics, conduct, leadership, deportment and mannerism.

"Personally, waking up was one of the hardest things for me since I am a person that normally sleeps in. On a daily basis we had to wake extremely early for physical activities, to ensure we are maintaining our level of physical fitness," said Russell, who attended St Jago High School.

PRIDE

Her parents, Erica and Christopher, beamed with pride, as well as Russell's aunt, Alancia Dunkley, who also graduated.

"I am extremely happy! I see her becoming a commanding officer and doing great things for our country. Everybody is here celebrating. My father is here for my sister who is graduating today, and even competed with her niece for the Commandant's Award. My mother's relatives are here, and my cousin is also graduating, so that side of the family is also here," Erica said.

A pleased Christopher, beaming with pride, added, "I am just really grateful that she made it scratch-free. When I was younger, I always wanted to serve in the army. Unfortunately, I didn't make it, so it's a journey fulfilled through her."

Richards, who attended Manchester High School, describes himself as a natural leader who is disciplined, loyal and humble.

"I've always seen myself as a militant person, so the obvious choice is to join the military. I see myself as being firm mentally and physically, which is what anyone joining the JDF needs. Moreover, I can manage any situation that I am placed in, and I stop to think before doing something," Richards told THE STAR.

"My expectation is that with a hard fight, I can make it to any rank because I don't plan to leave here anytime soon. I am going to remain disciplined and loyal to the JDF until the time comes where I should retire. My goal is to reach at least the regimental sergeant major level. With hard work and dedication, it is possible," he said.

Richards believes that his personality traits are heavily influenced by his parents. Arlene and George Richards, who have been married for 31 years, created a strong family background for their son and have provided constant assurance.

"When I wasn't seeing him nor hearing anything from him, I prayed day and night. The uncertainty of how he was doing worried me as a mom, even though I know he is capable. I missed him a lot and cried at nights because of it. But today I am a proud mom," Arlene said with a smile.

"Growing up, we struggled with them, but we do our best so they can come out on top, so I am proud of him," George said.