At an Oath of Enlistment Ceremony, Ervin Ludy and Robert Johns took the next step in their journey with the Michigan Army National Guard. Both young men are from the Munising area and gathered at the Detroit Military Entrance Processing Station to formally begin their careers, having initially enlisted on March 5, 2024 and November 21, 2023, respectively.
Ervin Ludy shared his motivations for joining the National Guard during a recent interview. “There were a lot of good benefits,” Ludy explained, highlighting the educational opportunities and the potential to transform his life. With family members who have served in various branches of the military, Ludy felt a strong connection to the National Guard.
Robert Johns echoed similar sentiments. “I’ve always wanted to be a police officer,” Johns revealed, expressing his ambition to pursue a career in law enforcement. Joining the National Guard seemed like the perfect path for Johns, offering valuable training and educational benefits aligned with his goals.
Both Ludy and Johns discussed the rigorous training they are preparing to undergo. Ludy is set to begin his 10-week boot camp followed by specialized training in vehicle mechanics, while Johns will focus on military police training. Despite the challenges ahead, both young men are eager to embark on this transformative journey.
When asked about the benefits of joining the Michigan National Guard, Ludy emphasized the financial assistance for college tuition and the comprehensive healthcare coverage. “It’s a good opportunity and definitely gets you on the right path for whatever you want to do later in life,” Ludy remarked.
As they prepare for their upcoming training, Ludy and Johns expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received from their families and communities. “I hope this weekend goes really well,” Ludy said, anticipating his first drill experience.
The Michigan Army National Guard continues to attract motivated individuals like Ludy and Johns, offering opportunities for education, personal development, and service to the nation.
The recruiter they worked with is SSG Hutchinson. If you’re interested in joining the Michigan National Guard, you can reach out to SSG Hutchinson at 262-955-5020.
