Photo By Alun Thomas | Nathaniel Hamilton sits at attention, while being questioned during an Officer...... read more read more
PHOENIX – The harsh realities of urban life were always on display for Nathaniel Hamilton during his childhood in Washington D.C.
Growing up in the inner city meant an atmosphere of violence, decay and gritty backstreets, where life wasn’t to be taken for granted.
But it provided the impetus for Hamilton to overcome this environment and strike out on his own, leading to a life far exceeding his rugged origins.
At the age of 25 Hamilton is well on his way to achieving this, having earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, while serving in the National Guard for the past six years.
This success inspired Hamilton to apply for Officer Candidate School and pursue a career as an officer, the final steps of which involved an appearance before the OCS board at the Phoenix Recruiting Battalion headquarters, Aug. 23.
The path leading to this point in his life is one he wouldn’t change for anything, Hamilton said, recalling his early existence over 2000 miles away in Washington D.C.
“To me D.C. is a town of two cities – the White House and the capital, then east of the river which is more of an impoverished area,” Hamilton said. “That’s the area I grew up in … very humble indeed, but it instilled the Army fighting spirit in me before I ever put on the uniform.”
Even as a youngster Hamilton had an inner drive and determination to escape these surroundings, being exposed to things which were unsettling.
“I remember seeing shootings, dead bodies, drugs being dealt, all before I was 13 … far before anyone should see things like that,’ he explained.
“The apartment building I was going back and forth to from school was definitely a tough place to grow up, but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”
“Everything I’ve done, good or bad, any accomplishments or mistakes, helped contribute to the person I am today,” Hamilton said.
The decision to join the military was inspired in part by Hamilton’s grandfather, a World War II veteran who would often tell him of his experiences during the war.
“I don’t know if he knew, but he definitely planted the seed to see a minority leave his circumstances and do something so honorable and respected,” Hamilton said. “He lived to talk about it and it resonated with me. He fought for what he believed in and I wanted to follow in his footsteps.”
Hamilton said he initially tried to join the Navy at the end of 12th grade during high school, but was accepted into the University of Arizona in Tucson instead, which led to him joining the National Guard in 2012.
“I was a full-time college student and doing my National Guard duties … I just felt like I had more to give than two days a month to the Army,” he continued. “I knew I could do more.”
Hamilton said he made the decision to apply for OCS once receiving his bachelor’s degree, knowing he could further excel as a leader.
”As I got older and experienced in the Army, I understood that our leaders – both noncommissioned officers and officers – really do sacrifice a lot,” Hamilton said. “That’s what happens when you’re a leader and I’m prepared to make that commitment.”
Hamilton said his long-term goals include continuing to serve and finding the best avenues to do so, which means being on active duty.
“I don’t want to restrict myself to one weekend a month, so active duty as an officer was the best answer for me and I’m hoping to join the MP (Military Police) or Signal Corps,” Hamilton said. “I also want to attend Airborne and Air Assault Schools. Those are things I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
“I want to take my military career to the end … I started young at 19, so I’m ready to do this until they tell me I have to hang it up,” he said.
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 08.23.2018 15:42 |
| Story ID: | 290043 |
| Location: | PHOENIX, ARIZONA, US |
| Web Views: | 200 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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