FORT LEE, Va. - A foursome of high school juniors from the same family in Newport News enlisted last month in the Virginia Army National Guard.
Kahlil, Karlyle, Karon, and Kameron Jones, 17, took the oath March 7 at the Military Entrance Processing Station at Fort Lee, Va.
Sgt. Brian Merritt recruited the Warwick High School students.
All four brothers are scheduled to attend basic training this summer, Kahlil at Fort Jackson, S.C., and Karlyle, Karon and Kameron at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. Then, after returning for their senior years of high school, they will complete advanced individual training next summer.
Karlyle, Karon and Kameron will serve with the 229th Military Police Company in Virginia Beach while Kahlil will be assigned to the Hampton-based 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment as a health care specialist.
“I have been talking to them about decisions about college and making changes in their life,” said Darin Jones, their father. “I wanted them to have some involvement with the military without going full-time active duty. Something to help keep them grounded and that would help them out with college expenses.”
All four plan to attend college and pursue careers in medicine.
“In January I was contacted by Mr. Jones to ask about the requirements to serve in the National Guard,” said Merritt, the Newport News-based recruiter who worked with the Jones brothers.
“The quads have had family serve in the Virginia National Guard and he was interested in getting further information on how his sons could enlist and receive the life lessons and discipline that comes with the training received in the Virginia Army National Guard.”
Once their father mentioned the subject to them, they took to the Internet and learned all they could about the military and the different branches of service. After they completed their research, they went back to their dad to tell him what they had learned and their thoughts.
“They had plenty of questions about the jobs, training, and benefits offered,” Merritt said. “I was impressed at the thought they had placed into ensuring they were informed in their decision to serve. After answering all of their questions and concerns, the Joneses were ready to go.”
“They were gung ho for it,” said their mother, Angela Jones.
Among the main reasons the brothers said they joined were to be able to help during emergencies, to get into the fields they were already interested in and to get financial assistance with college.
Merritt helped them as they prepared for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test and watched as they bantered back and forth over who would score the best on the test or be the best at their new job.
“Brotherly competition was clearly a motivating factor,” Merritt said “Each one wanted to be the best. I believe the motivation they provide each other will be an asset to their commanders and to the Virginia National Guard as they progress through their careers. I am excited to witness the development of these young men into fine Soldiers and the future of the Virginia National Guard.”