By Collin Breaux
Vernon High School student Destiny Gregory has received letters of nomination to attend a military service academy–one from Rep. Neal Dunn.
Gregory has long wanted to be accepted to and attend a military service academy and generally has her sights set on a military career. Ideally, she wants to be a foreign affairs officer.
The letters of nomination come as Gregory has worked hard to prepare herself for military life, including a leadership position with the Vernon High JROTC and volunteer service.
“I’m nervous but also excited,” she said on waiting to hear if she will be accepted. “It took three years to plan for it and actually get it all going. I had to do a lot of sports, community service. When it came to leadership, I had to be on top of that.”
Gregory grew up in a military family. Her father, Carl Gregory, served in the Army and her grandfather and great-grandfather were in the Navy–which influenced her decision to follow that branch.
“It was always there–the foundation, discipline, everything,” she said. “I just love the routine of the military. Going into the military is a fit for me.”
As far as getting the recommendations, one for the United States Naval Academy in Maryland, Gregory said she had to do a full application and go before a board.
Gregory announced the recommendations during a JROTC change of command ceremony at Vernon High on March 13 where she handed off the battalion commander position to fellow student Laura Moon.
Moon thanked her mother for pushing her and promised to be the best battalion commander she can be.
Carl Gregory attended the ceremony and said his daughter worked “real hard” for the past couple of years to reach this point of consideration.
He advised her to commit to the required work that goes into going after a military career. Carl Gregory helped his daughter by researching what went into being accepted to a military service academy and the necessary requirements.
“You have to be way ahead of the game,” he said.
Destiny Gregory has received community support and put in approximately 500 volunteer hours.
The academy application process has made Destiny Gregory grow as a person, Carl Gregory said.
“I’m amazed at how she’s coming out,” he said.
KINSLEY COOK 
Staff Report