Manchester youth pursues military dream

Nadine Young fought hard to hold back her tears as she tightly embraced her son, Kimani Young, following his graduation on Friday from the Jamaica National Service Corps (JNSC) programme.

"Me wake up from after three this morning, just to be here. Me couldn't make this miss me. Me proud of him," a teary-eyed Nadine said.

The JNSC programme serves as the route through which persons join the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as full-time soldiers. Recruits are given basic military training and after successful completion they attain the rank of private which they will retain for the duration of their year of service. After a year in the JNSC, graduates can become full-fledged soldiers.

Nadine told THE STAR that her son has always dreamt about serving his country as a member of the security forces. Along with her sister, Jacqueline Thompson, she journeyed from their home in Green Pond, Manchester, for the passing-out parade at the Polo Grounds of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Up Park Camp, where Young was one of 306 graduates.

"It was rough without him, especially the first four months with no contact," the mother said about adjusting to the fact that she son had gone away for training.

Jacqueline said that Young was mentally prepared for the training as her son, who joined the JDF in 2018, briefed him on what to expect.

With his basic military training successfully concluded, Young eagerly anticipates his ongoing growth in the JDF over the next year, while also setting his sights on a long and fruitful career. Friday's milestone is a cause for celebration among his family members.

"It a good feeling to know that we have two in the family now and the whole community proud of him. We happy right now," his aunt, Jacqueline, said.