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Pentagon trip inspires, unites Boys Nation
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As they filed through the bustling hallways of the Pentagon on July 22, the Boys Nation senators and staff had no idea what they were getting themselves into.
Greeted by servicemembers in their dress uniforms, the boys looked around in awe as they were escorted through the building. Along the way they stopped at some of the most pivotal points of interest including the point of impact where the plane from the 9/11 attacks struck the building, the September 11th Memorial Chapel and the briefing room.
Boys Nation senator Michael McDowell of Houston said he thoroughly enjoyed viewing model planes of Air Force aircraft flown over the past few decades.
The senators stuck together and helped each other get through the tour, as some parts were more difficult to handle than others.
“Some of the boys had family members and loved ones that were hurt or went missing on 9/11,” said Bob Turner, a past national commander and Boys Nation director of activities. “They had a hard time thinking of their loved ones or seeing their names engrained on the memorial.”
Turner and other senators provided comfort and helped the boys overcome the grief they were feeling at the moment.
Inspired by how the employees in the building and other Americans rallied together that day to help each other and save lives, the Boys Nation senators continued on with the tour, ending at the Pentagon briefing room. While the boys entered the room, the anticipation of meeting Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus filled the air. The senators welcomed him into the room with a thunderous applause.
During his time with the high school seniors, Mabus shared stories of his service with the boys, talked about his job and the functions of it. Most importantly, he recalled past experiences dating back to when he participated in Boys State.
“I went to Boys State, and I ran for governor,” he said. Mabus joked about how he lost to a buddy of his, and he shared a story about how they remained friends after all those years.
“When I got elected governor for real, I took him out for lunch,” Mabus said.
Peaking the boys’ interest in the armed services, Mabus explained the functions of the Navy and Marine Corps team and spoke on how the two branches are “enshrined” in the U.S. Constitution.
While answering questions from the Boys nation senators regarding options for those who are unable to join the military, Mabus urged the boys to consider pursuing civilian and contractor military jobs, especially in the technology and cyber security fields.
Before he wrapped up his visit with the boys, Mabus took the opportunity to thank the boys for their interest and desire to visit the Pentagon and see some of his troops. “The American people don’t get to see the Navy and Marines Corps much, or the things they do and how hard their jobs are,” he said.
With their excitement spilling over, the senators bellowed out the Navy song “Anchors Aweigh” for Mabus before he headed back to work.
“This has literally been one of the most inspiring days of my life. Being a Navy guy, I enjoyed meeting the Secretary of the Navy, and I really appreciated when the boys sang ‘Anchors Away,’” said Mike Bredeck, Boys Nation legislative director.
Before the group was released to navigate their way out of the building, they picked the brain of Lt. Gen. Robert Ruark, director of logistics for the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
“I really enjoyed hearing what (Mabus) and Ruark had to say,” McDowell said. “The delegates also asked some really great questions. I really enjoyed this trip to the Pentagon. It was by far one of the best places I’ve visited.”
As the boy made their way out of the building, passersby could hear the chatter of the senators sharing their excitement with each other.