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By Michelle Stacko Adult Volunteer Greater Cleveland OH August 9 2014 Last evening my son and I experienced one of those times where you know that God has worked to bring your life to a certain point. So many little things intersect into one mo- ment and you know for certain that you are right where God wants you to be. Id like to share this story in an effort to honor God and to recognize and honor our fallen military those who gave all. When my son Jacob was six years old God placed on my heart that Ja- cob would likely choose a career in the military. Not having a military upbring- ing these thoughts were often followed by my concerns for his safety. But God always soothed my thoughts and has grown me to acceptance and to a small understanding of what it takes to be military. Jacob is now nearing 16 years of age In the last two years he has chosen the United States Marine Corps as his ca- reer goal. When I recently shared this with an acquaintance they asked me what about Jacob made me think he would be military-minded I quickly and simply replied Service and Honor. Its a com- mon thought in our family that Jacob was born an adult and when I look at him and understand his career goals its simply summed up as Service and Hon- or. I wonder how many parents have been faced with these thoughts and re- alizations about their child. Over the last two years Jacob has done a lot of research on the Marine Corps and talked with his family and friends about his goals. Many will talk of things of reason such as concern for his safety and life. But there have also been many with ties to the military who have come alongside him supported him and shared their knowledge. Jacob has so appreciated being taken seriously and has listened to these people with re- spect beyond his years. Jacob has learned from my niece Kelly and her husband Doug about some of the tougher things about the military. Dougs cousin Jeffrey A. Boskovitch was a Marine who lost his life serving our country in Iraq on August 2 2005. Jacob has seen the banner honoring Jeffrey at his high school Jeffrey was a graduate of that school. Kelly and Doug have been straightfor- ward about what Jeffrey went through to be a Marine and about his ultimate sacrifice and yet Jacob remains focused on his path to be a Marine. While writing a quick note in a Christ- mas card two years ago I mentioned to an old friend of my parents that Jacob wanted to be a Marine Just simple an- nual sharing of how Jacob was doing. This friend responded with a note of encouragement and a suggestion to Google Young Marines. We had not heard of this organization and upon visiting their website discovered that this seemed to be a great path for Ja- cob to pursue. My thought was that this experience would either help him get over the Marine Corps or it would en- sure that he liked what he was planning to do for a career. Jacob graduated Young Marines re- cruit training as Young Marine Pvt. Ja- cob Stacko on July 27 2014. His focus and dedication to this program is driven by his goal to be a United States Ma- rine something I have no doubt he will achieve. One of the expectations of the Young Marines is to provide community ser- vice which Jacob has easily accepted. Sometimes the schedule gets hectic and there are family discussions of what events he will be able to attend so that he and the family wont be overloaded. Such was a conversation this past Thursday about attending the two hours-long event on August 8th in Par- ma Heights Ohio called Ohio Flags of Honor. Jacob was rather adamant about at- tending.We agreed on a schedule to en- sure that he would be Continued Jacobs Path -A Parents Source of Concern and Pride Page 22 ESPRIT Young Marines participating in Ohio Flags of Honor ceremony..