A St. Joseph High School graduate is headed off to the U.S. Naval Academy this month. John Norland tells us he got help from Senator Gary Peters and former Congressman Fred Upton getting in. He’s been interested in the military for a long time.
“Growing up, I always wanted to be in the military, and one day in like the third grade, I went to my cousin’s high school graduation and a kid graduating from there was going to thee Air Force Academy,” Norland said. “I read the in the pamphlet and I had no idea what it was, but I was pretty interested.”
From there, going to a service academy was his goal. Norland says he was at first interested in the Air Force, but went with the Navy because of its traditions and because he spends a lot of time on the water. Is he planning for a lifetime of military service?
“Right now I’m thinking of making a career out of it. Obviously, that can change because I’ve heard many stories of people going into the military, going ‘I’m just going to do my minimum requirement and then get out,’ and they end up staying for 20, 25 years. But, yes. Right now, that’s kind of my path, to make a career out of it.”
He tells us going to a service academy is a challenge he welcomes.
“It’s like an adventure. I like doing new things a lot, and it’s not like normal. I won’t just go to work and do the same tasks every day, [although] there will be some days like that. Also, I get to work with great people every day. I like talking to people, sharing their stories. So, that’s a huge aspect for me.”
Norland works as a sailing instructor, is an Eagle Scout, played cello in the high school orchestra, played multiple sports, and served in the Student Senate. He heads off to the Naval Academy on June 29, and says it feels surreal, like it hasn’t “fully kicked in.”
