Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Rodney Roldan | Siblings Pvt. Jermaine Hunt (left), a signal support systems specialist trainee and...... read more read more
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FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. – In the U.S., family members serving together in the military seems uncommon. Such situations represent not only family support for service to the nation, but the bond between those family members serving together in arms. This is especially true for the Hunt brothers.
Pvt. Jermaine Hunt, a signal support systems specialist trainee, and Pvt. Deon Hunt, an information technology specialist trainee, enlisted in the United States Army at an NFL game in the fall of 2022 as Lt. Gen. Jody J. Daniels, chief of Army Reserve and commanding general, U.S. Army Reserve Command, administered the oath of enlistment. Jermaine chose the active component, and Deon chose the reserve component.
The Hunt brothers were born and raised in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended Annapolis High School together. Throughout their lives, they shared a common thread: an unwavering passion for serving their country. From an early age, their parents instilled the values of education, duty and honor.
“I was exploring options after high school,” Jermaine said. “My mother encouraged me to go into the military. My grandfather was a Navy man and attended the Naval Academy. I thought about it and one day decided to go into the Army for various opportunities including college.”
When it comes to family support, Jermaine says their mother was there for them every step of the way. She assisted them with completing paperwork and medical exams, which at times meant she would leave work early.
“I was always planning on going to college,” Deon said, “and I looked at going into the Army Reserve to not only help me with the education benefits but also help my mother save money instead of paying college expenses for us.”
Education benefits are available to help Soldiers pay for college expenses and student loans. One of the many programs, such as the Montgomery GI Bill and Army Reserve Tuition Assistance, are available after the completion of initial training. The Montgomery GI Bill offers over $13,000 to help pay for college and Army Reserve Tuition Assistance covers 100% of course costs for approved courses.
The unity between these brothers has extended into their military careers as well. They often found themselves in neighboring companies during basic training and now attend advanced individual training together at the U.S. Army Signal School-Cyber Center of Excellence.
Both brothers appreciated the occasional runs in throughout training, speaking on the phone and especially the healthy competition that motivated them to work harder. This unique bond not only allowed them to offer support during difficult times but also fostered a sense of camaraderie while training together.
“We would send notes to each other at times, checking in and seeing where we were at mentally in our process,” Jermaine said. “It helped me a lot knowing my brother was there for me and me for him.”
Both Jermaine and Deon graduated from Advanced Individual Training this week.
Deon plans to continue his service in the Army Reserve at a unit in his hometown of Annapolis, as well as studying to become a police officer with the Annapolis Police Department. He looks forward to the balance the Army Reserve offers alongside his police pursuits, both allowing professional development “where what I learn in one can help the other.”
Jermaine plans to use his personal time to study while on active duty overseas.
He said, “I get to learn new things and travel the world.”
As new members within both the Army and Army Reserve communities, Jermaine and Deon serve as role models for aspiring service members around the world. Their unwavering commitment to their country and each other serves as a shining example of what it means to be part of the military community – dedication, loyalty and sacrifice – as illustrated by their advice for people considering service.
Deon advises those thinking about joining the Army Reserve to come in with a positive attitude.
“Things are challenging at times, but you get what you put in.”
He encourages looking at the humanity in everyone, including those who will lead you.
Jermaine said that new Soldiers shouldn’t fear the training.
“You are around new people and must learn from everyone. Yes, there might be pressure at times, but that’s how diamonds are made.”
He recalls a lesson learned during basic training when confronted with a 10-mile run. He realized that conquering such a challenge involved building himself up and that he wasn’t alone in this. It’s a process shared with all Soldiers.
“In the Army, we are all the same no matter what background you come from,” Jermaine said. “We all wear the same uniform, have the same training, and go through the same thing. It’s a great way to build your life.”
To learn more about the Army Reserve visit www.usar.army.mil.
| Date Taken: | 07.08.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2023 16:01 |
| Story ID: | 448786 |
| Location: | FT. EISENHOWER, GEORGIA, US |
| Hometown: | ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND, US |
| Web Views: | 1,195 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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