Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Midshipman Ben Yeager took a little time off from classes last month to do some recruiting.
Yeager is a sophomore with the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He returned to Warsaw in November as a representative of the Academy. In return for a few speaking engagements, he got an extra week for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Yeager, who is the son of Chuck and Judy Yeager of Warsaw, jumped at the chance to represent the Naval Academy in his hometown. "It's a chance for midshipmen with high grades to come home early, to go to high schools and other groups and recruit," he said.
Yeager set up a table at Warsaw and Wawasee high schools, where he answered questions about life at the Academy. He also paid a visit to Warsaw Christian School, which he attended, and spoke to the Warsaw Noon Optimists.
The U.S. Naval Academy has stringent standards for acceptance. A student must pass muster before the Academy's admissions board and be nominated by a congressman.
Yeager said the class of 2001 had 10,000 applicants, 1,700 of whom received congressional nominations. Of these, 1,200 were accepted to the Academy.
Academy students receive a four-year university education at no cost. In exchange, they agree to serve five years in the Navy or the Marine Corps.
Three other men from Kosciusko County are studying at the Naval Academy: Joe Slaughter, a junior, the son of George and Ann Slaughter, Winona Lake, and seniors Brian Swanson and Derek Crousore, both of Warsaw. Brian is the son of Randy and Barb Swanson, and Derek is the son of Paul and Sandi Crousore.
Yeager, who is studying economics, said students have their choice of 18 majors: eight in engineering, six in the sciences and four in the humanities.
He said all students must participate in sports, either varsity or intramural. Physical education classes are required each semester.
Students may also participate in a variety of groups or clubs, from mountain climbing to religion to martial arts.
Yeager says the Academy's reason for sending midshipmen to their hometowns is twofold.
"Being in the military, and having your salary paid by the general public, it's good to keep in touch with them, to explain why the Academy exists," he said.
These visits are also the best recruiting tool the Academy has.
"When high schoolers see a midshipman, who can tell them what's actually there, it's a little more effective than (a guidance counselor) who's never actually been there," he said.
