Parents of Those Pursuing Military Careers
20 JUNE 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
BY LORI DRAZ
This month, we remember Old Glory, and we also think of graduates
who are beginning their walk into the future. Each year, the NJROTC
teaches classes of cadets the military values of discipline, teamwork
and leadership. Many of these students go on to to pursue careers
in the military.
Two parents of students moving into military careers took some time
to speak candidly about how it feels to see their children choose a life of
service to the country.
Colts Neck resident Elaine McNamara said, “My son Robert’s decision
to do ROTC and be a midshipman at the University of Mississippi ‘Ole
Miss’ was never a surprise to us. He truly loved every aspect of being an
active cadet in the CNHS NJROTC program. He always had an interest in
the great leaders who played roles in the creation of the U.S. Constitution.
“Robert’s mentors, his cousins, who were also in the NJROTC program,
always encouraged him to set goals and work hard for what he wanted in
life. At CNHS, Major Gregory Penczak always pushed Robert to strive for
his personal best. Robert loved listening to his Uncle Jimmy’s stories about
when he served in the United States Marine Corps during the Gulf War, and
he showed great respect toward both his grandfathers, who served in the
US Army. As parents, we supported Robert’s decision because we taught
him to always respect and never take for granted this country’s liberties. He
has natural camaraderie with his fellow midshipmen, and he thrives well
under the demands of military discipline, the daily physical challenges and
education that go hand-in-hand with the program.
“Of course, we are concerned and want Robert and his unit to stay
-
ing. He will be equipped with all of the tools necessary to make good
decisions and execute the demands of active duty. We have a deep faith
-
lenging times Robert may face.
“We are also happy that our president has such a strong commitment
to the military’s success. He has a deep love for the people of this
country and for the military.
“We also believe most
Americans appreciate our
military, but we believe it is
important to continue to educate
students about the sacri-
-
doms we all enjoy. We should
honor our veterans who were
willing to die protecting our
freedoms.”
Robert reported, “I
love being a midshipman at
Ole Miss! I love the discipline
and the training. I know it will
prepare me well for my future
as a leader serving in the
United States Marine Corps.”
Regular Teen Scene
readers will remember
Kristen Schandall, who is
currently in South Carolina,
commissioned on May 7.
She will be in training to
become a naval pilot and
will be stationed in Pensacola,
Florida in early October.
The Schandalls’ son,
Robert, is also pursuing a
military career.
Carol Schandall said,
“When Kristen told us
she wanted to pursue a
career in the military, we
were taken back. Never
in our wildest dreams did
we think she would go in
that direction. We weren’t
surprised when Robert
told us. Robert is a cadet
at Coastal Carolina University
in South Carolina. He
is contracted with the US
Army. After being in the
NJROTC program at Colts
Neck, we could see him
taking a stronger interest.
When he heard what his
sister was doing, it seemed
like the next step for him.
“Like any parent, it
makes us very nervous
but more important very
proud. It takes a special kind of person to want to part of something
“I hope the American public truly appreciates our military members.
We are surrounded by very patriotic people, but I don’t think all
Americans feel the same way. I don’t think there are the same feelings
of pride in our military that there were when my father-in-law served in
WWII (the Greatest Generation), but I also don’t feel that people have the
feeling that surrounded the military during Vietnam War. I hope Ameri-
“As a family that had no real military connection, we are extremely
horns and are looking to be something bigger than themselves. Yes, we
are concerned about what the world will be like when they get out into
all about them.”
Robert McNamara
Kristen Schandall
Robert Schandall
/TheJournalNJ.com