Seaholm Alumni Scott Disney and Matt Gorman discover life in the US Army--both in Afghanistan and Iraq, while senior Seth Johnson prepares for West Point and beyond.
Seaholm’s school motto is “The first of many summits.”
For Seaholm Graduate Scott Disney, one of his summits after high school was actually at a summit of the mountainous region of Kandahar, Afghanistan, serving as an intelligence officer for the US Army. Scott Disney, an ‘02 graduate of Seaholm High School chose to enlist in the Army after four years at Western Michigan.
“He wanted something different,” said Seaholm senior Ross Disney, Scott’s younger brother “The college atmosphere wasn’t right for him, so he chose the Army to pursue a career for the future.”
For the Disney family, Scott’s choice was one they all supported.
“I worry about him from time to time, but I know that he is doing something he likes and I support him,” Disney said.
“We are looking for someone with dedication,” said Marine Corporal Justin Shemanski. “We are looking for a person who isn’t looking for mediocrity in life and wants to distinguish themselves in the eye of their community.”
Matt Gorman, an ’02 Seaholm Graduate, chose to enlist in the Army right out of high school. After basic training, Matt found himself serving as a MP, or military policeman, for the US Military in Iraq. MP’s serve the military by providing protection, enforcement and detention wherever they are needed.
Matt Gorman served as a member of the 785th Battalion MP Division. He worked as a correctional officer at a prison located in Southern Baghdad. The prison that Matt was stationed at was used to contain suspected terrorists.
Matt Gorman’s duties included transporting prisoners to other prisons and also to courthouses to be tried as enemy combatants.
Being transported by armed vehicles through the streets of Baghdad is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in Iraq.
Sean Gorman explained to the Highlander that one of his brother’s biggest fears while serving in Iraq was transporting prisoners through Baghdad and possibly being hit by a roadside bomb.
“When it comes to roadside bombs, he can’t really do anything about it,” Sean said. “He’s doing the best job he possibly can. That added sense of fear for him also makes me think about him even more.”
Matt had to consult his family when he decided to join the Army right out of high school. His family supported his decision and felt very proud of him.
“My family was very supportive, but we still worried about him,” Sean said. “We had frequent talks with him via web camera while he was in Iraq, which was really cool.”
Seth Johnson, a current Seaholm senior, NHS vice president, varsity soccer player and Marching Band Drum Major, has also made a military career decision. Johnson, who received a Congressional appointment from Congressman Joe Knollenberg, will attend the US Military Academy at West Point next year.
“It’s something different. It allows me to serve my country and be the best individual I can possibly be,” Johnson said.
“West Point will prepare me for whatever task I am assigned after my four years there. I haven’t really thought about fighting, or being shot at, but I know that I will gain the trust of my fellow cadets at West Point, which will allow me to feel more prepared on the battlefield.”
Upon successfully completing his education, Seth will graduate as an Army officer with the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. Graduates then repay their country for their education by serving in a technical field or as a career officer.
“Of all the colleges that I applied to, I believe that West Point can offer me the best education possible. I hope to major in some sort of engineering field and rank high in my class so that I can choose my path after four years,” said Johnson.
All of these Seaholm students have shown and will continue to show great amounts of courage and honor of their country.
