Press Release
☷A Soldier s journey From small town dreams to college horizons
U.S. Army ( By Press Release office)
Jan 02,2024
| 35| 1
In a small town called Roanoke , Alabama , a young person set out on a journey that would not only shape their future but also inspire those around them . Christopher Bell , now a sergeant first class in the Army , was determined to become a Soldier and create a better life beyond his close - knit community . Growing up , Bell dreamed of exploring the world and getting a college education , and he saw the Army as a way to make both of those dreams a reality . "I joined the Army so I could leave my small town in Alabama and experience more of the world . . . and start my own career , " said Bell , who now works as a maintenance manager . "I couldn ' t afford college , but I heard that the Army pays for it , so I took full advantage of that opportunity . " Joining the military was a life - changing decision for Bell , allowing him to not only serve but also become the first person in his family to earn a degree while traveling and living in different parts of the country and world . "I joined the Army on October 6 , 2010 . I went to basic training at Fort Benning , Georgia , " Bell recalled . "I started as a light wheeled mechanic , and now I ' m a maintenance manager . " Throughout his time stationed in various places , Bell has embraced the commitment of serving his country while pursuing his academic goals . During his time in Germany , he earned an associate ' s degree in business administration . "Every duty station I go to , I ' m taking classes to work towards my bachelor ' s degree in business administration , " he explained . Bell believes that his military experience combined with a degree in business administration will make him competitive in the civilian job market . "I think it will help not only with my life outside of the military , but also with my own degree and managing administrative tasks and personnel , " he said . Bell ' s enlistment and success in the Army have even inspired his younger brother to follow in his footsteps . “I never asked him why he joined the Army , but I think if I hadn’t joined the Army , he probably wouldn’t have even given it a chance , ” Bell said . “I think he saw what kind of career I had and how the military took care of me and provided for me . Financial security comes first . " Following in his brother ' s footsteps , Dontay Bell joined the National Guard and served in Afghanistan . “I would say yes , given the fact that he is my older brother and when we were growing up we had no one to follow in their footsteps and joining the army was something we didn ' t see day in and day out . so I would say he influenced me to join , ” said Active Guard and Reserve Staff Sgt . Dontay Bell , supply sergeant for the 1166th Military Police Company located in Oneonta , Alabama . Sergeant 1st Class Christopher Bell ( left ) and his brother Staff Sgt . Dontay Bell in Oneonta , Alabama , May 2023 . ( Courtesy ) Dontay , currently studying computer science , said college and travel are also two of the main reasons he joined the military . Thinking back , they didn ' t travel much while they were growing up , and he knew that once he joined the Army , he would see more places than Alabama . From service and promotions to being the first in their family to earn a degree , both brothers are extremely proud of each other and their accomplishments . “Just start your own families and leave a legacy that our family can be proud of , ” Bell said .
PLAY the NEWS
* May be useful for visually impaired persons .
Press release information:
Direct link to press release:
Click here .
