ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -
President Obama's speech has a special meaning for students at Rock Island High School. That's because some of them could be among the first to be deployed to Afghanistan.
Inside the school's Air Force Junior R.O.T.C. program, life is about to change dramatically for one student. Shelby Bartelt, 18, is graduating early and enlisting in the Army Reserves. She could become one of 30,000 American troops being sent to Afghanistan.
"I think it would be a traumatic experience," she said. "But I would like to be able to help. They've helped me since I've been here. It's my time to serve."
President Obama's troop surge is based on the 9/11 attack on America. Something that happened when some of these students were barely in grade school.
"These kids are my family," said Master Sgt. Michael Gabrysiak, who teaches in the program. "They're my life."
It's more than a class on Aerospace Science. National policies weigh heavy in the program.
"Gives me mixed emotions as a mentor and a teacher," said Gabrysiak, a veteran of the first Gulf War. "I see a lot of students, and I worry about each and every one of them."
There are lessons about war and peace, and there are discussions about making tough decisions. But the president's call for a timed exit from Afghanistan troubles them.
"It's going to give soldiers the hope that they're going to be getting out," said Senior Trever Gray. "And if they don't, they're going to be angry."
"I'm all right with it," added Sophomore Cory Foutch. "I just don't want them coming back in caskets."
Shelby draws inspiration from her brother, Steve, who also attended the R.O.T.C. program. Steve is on his third deployment and second to Afghanistan.
"He's basically my hero," she said. "I want to grow up to be like him. Be able to accomplish, and be able to serve our country.
A noble sacrifice from a teenager. After wrapping up classes on December 17, she'll report to Fort Leonard Wood for basic training in early January.
Inside the school's Air Force Junior R.O.T.C. program, life is about to change dramatically for one student. Shelby Bartelt, 18, is graduating early and enlisting in the Army Reserves. She could become one of 30,000 American troops being sent to Afghanistan.
"I think it would be a traumatic experience," she said. "But I would like to be able to help. They've helped me since I've been here. It's my time to serve."
President Obama's troop surge is based on the 9/11 attack on America. Something that happened when some of these students were barely in grade school.
"These kids are my family," said Master Sgt. Michael Gabrysiak, who teaches in the program. "They're my life."
It's more than a class on Aerospace Science. National policies weigh heavy in the program.
"Gives me mixed emotions as a mentor and a teacher," said Gabrysiak, a veteran of the first Gulf War. "I see a lot of students, and I worry about each and every one of them."
There are lessons about war and peace, and there are discussions about making tough decisions. But the president's call for a timed exit from Afghanistan troubles them.
"It's going to give soldiers the hope that they're going to be getting out," said Senior Trever Gray. "And if they don't, they're going to be angry."
"I'm all right with it," added Sophomore Cory Foutch. "I just don't want them coming back in caskets."
Shelby draws inspiration from her brother, Steve, who also attended the R.O.T.C. program. Steve is on his third deployment and second to Afghanistan.
"He's basically my hero," she said. "I want to grow up to be like him. Be able to accomplish, and be able to serve our country.
A noble sacrifice from a teenager. After wrapping up classes on December 17, she'll report to Fort Leonard Wood for basic training in early January.
