By J. Bryan Wasson
Bowie, Texas
Brandon being sworn in by me
He received an Appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, MD on the recommendation of Congressman Mac Thornberry. Brandon graduated from Chico High School in 2003. His dreams of a military career were shattered, however when he did not pass the military physical examination required before entrance into any one of the U.S. military academies.
His personal physician disagreed with the results of the military physical and felt if there was in fact anything physically wrong that it was only a temporary condition. The door to the U.S. Naval Academy however was closed.
Brandon pushed his military plans to the back burner and obtained an Electrician and a Refrigeration license and worked in the heating and air conditioning business. The military career was never out of his mind, however.
In 2010, he decided to try again to enter the military. This time, he chose the U.S. Army. Another military physical proved that his personal physician was probably correct. He was accepted by the U.S. Army.
Based upon his previous ROTC training and his entrance examination scores, he was given his choice of career fields. He chose the Combat Engineer career field. He wanted to build things and felt that his electrical as well as heating and air conditioning training and experience would be of most value. He wanted to obtain additional education and training in the engineering career field.
August 9, 2010, a long delayed entry into the Armed Forces of the United States became a reality when I administered the Oath of Enlistment into the U.S. Army for my grandson, Brandon Wasson at the Military Entrance and Processing Station, Dallas, Texas.
It makes an old soldier and grandfather very proud to have the honor of administering the Oath of Enlistment to his grandson.”
Brandon's Aunt made him a cake with the U.S. Army logo
Brandon standing in front of U.S. Army Flag shortly after being sworn in.
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7 Responses to “Brandon’s Story”
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As the mother of an Army officer, I can say HOOAH!. The Navy’s loss is the Army’s gain. Contrats to your grandson. And another HOOAH for nevery giving up on the military.
thank you Brandon for your service to our country
In behalf of my grandson, thank you very much for your comment. Brandon’s plan had he graduated from the Naval Academy was to go into the Marines. He would have been a Marine officer. Had I been Brandon, I think I would have felt cheated out of a commission by going into the Army as an enlisted man. I think it took courage to take that step. He wanted so much to serve in the military. I pray that an opportunity for OCS will come along or the possibility of becoming a Warrant Officer. Thank you so very much for your comment.
Brandon thank you for serving our country. I have known your grandparents for a long time. You came from good stock.
I have known Brandon’s grandfather, Bryan Wasson, for about 40 years and if he is proud of his grandson’s accomplishments and now enlistment into the US Army….I can also feel proud of Brandon….and my advise….train hard and if and when the time comes…you will fight the way you trained….above all …..never give up!
Richard Valdez
1SG USAR Retired
Wow, your grandson demonstrated dedication to a a goal and saw it through until he reached it. How exciting you were able to administer the oath of enlistment. Good luck to Brandon and God Bless you and your family for your service to our country.
I just want to say thank you to all of you who have served, are serving and will serve our country in the future. I have the utmost respect for all of you. My Father was in the Navy, my Grandfather was in the Air Force,my Niece is in the Air Force, my Uncle was in the Marines and last but not least my Brother was in the Army. Thank you all, you have truly touched my heart and life forever.
What a great story.Ty Brandon for all your doing for my family and our country.
My daughter also completed 4 years of rotc in high school went to meps and was denied. her whole future was based on the military it was her dream. she also waited awhile then went back trying a different branch and finally after the third attempt and being denied she gave up her dream of a military career.When she was 5yrs old she had heart surgery but was cleared by cardiologist and a hearing issue but was also cleared by the audiologists. i know she was cleared because i took her to all her appointments. It seem like we would finally be cleared in meps for one thing then they denied for the other we would get that cleared then it would fall back on the other again.. It was very disappointing knowing that she would never be able to be in the military..she is doing well now has a great career in medical insurance reimbursements. Soon to be married and start a family. She does not hold anything against anyone it is what it is..
I am happy to say her little sister has just sworn in to the Marines and leaves for bc in november 2011. She could not be any prouder of her sister !!