Medina County students commit to serve in United States Armed Forces

BRUNSWICK — Medina County students received a standing ovation after taking an oath to serve in the United States armed forces during a military commitment ceremony at Brunswick High School on Friday. Captain Jeff Garcia from the Ohio Army National Guard and the Brunswick Division of Police was the guest speaker at this year's ceremony. He said those who serve in the military gain leadership, resilience and camradarie from the experience. "I have witnessed this transformation firsthand, where young service members arrive uncertain or hesitant, and they depart as confident, capable professionals who carry themselves with quiet pride," he said. "They return to civilian life, not just with benefits, but with stories of service, friendships that last a lifetime and an unbreakable bond, alongside a tireless work ethic." The following students were recognized for their commitment to serve: Liam Asher, of Medina, is joining the Navy. Justin Augustine, of Buckeye, is joining the Navy ROTC. Jason Bagley, of Cloverleaf, is joining the Navy. Richard Benyo, of Medina and the Medina County Career Center, is joining the Army. Aaron Bloom, of Medina and the Career Center, is joining the Air Force. Jacob Cohen, of Brunswick and the Career Center, is joining the Coast Guard. Samuel D'Attoma, of Brunswick, is joining the Navy. Ethan Decoster, of Cloverleaf, is joining the Navy. Logan Erckman, of Brunswick, is joining the Army. Henry Fralick, of Medina and the Career Center, is joining the Army. Michael Formoso, of Highland and the Career Center, is joining the Navy. Connor Handy, of Medina, is joining the Army. Myles Hansel, of Brunswick, is joining the Navy. Kendra Haynes, of Buckeye and the Career Center, is joining the Army. Maximus Jackson, of Brunswick and the Career Center, is joining the Army. Colton Johnson, of Buckeye and the Career Center, is joining the Marine Corps. Zachary Keister, of Medina, is joining the Air Force. Colin Kerr, of Cloverleaf, is joining the Navy. Zachary Largent, of Brunswick and the Career Center, is joining the Air Force. Reese Lazar, of Medina, is joining the Navy. Cayden Muich, of Wadsworth, is joining the Army. Evan Nowak, of Brunswick and the Career Center, is joining the Coast Guard. Johnny Nunn, of Medina, is joining the Navy. Wyatt Osborn, of Wadsworth, is joining the Army. Dylan Pay, of Medina, is joining the Army National Guard. Kaitlyn Ryneer, of Medina and the Career Center, is joining the Navy. Nevin Sherepita, of Highland and the Career Center, is joining the Army. Hunter Stevens, of Cloverleaf, is joining the Army. Dominic Swanson, of Wadsworth, is joining the Marine Corps. Caleb Wellman, of Wadsworth, is joining the Marine Corps. Aiden Zufra, of Medina, is joining the Air Force. "Your willingness to consider this calling reflects the same spirit that has sustained our republic for over two centuries," Garcia said. "You stand here at a pivotal moment. The decisions you make now will echo through your life. Make them with your eyes open, heart resolute and with pride of the possibilities ahead." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.