On this Memorial Day weekend, an interview with Decorah High School graduate Brody Malone, who will be serving in the United States Navy

Recent Decorah High School graduate Brody Malone has big plans after graduation. On June 22nd he will be heading to Great Lakes in northern Illinois, which is the primary training location for the Navy, to begin 9 weeks of boot camp.
 
Brody officially joined the Navy in July of 2016, so by July of this year he will have already served 1 year of his 8 year commitment (4 years active duty and 4 years inactive duty). Brody was inspired to join the Navy after hearing stories from his grandpa and uncle who both served. He says, "I wanted to serve my country and protect its people."
 
After boot camp, Brody will stay in Great Lakes, MI for 8 weeks of "A" school - advanced or technical training for a specific job. Brody will be training for an engineering job as a machinist mate. He'll be working on nuclear engines on aircraft carriers, converting sea water to drinking water, and doing oil transfers from vessel to vessel. After "A" school, Brody will receive an assignment based on his rating.
 
Brody has been traveling to the Navy recruiting station in La Crosse, WI once a month for training since last August. He appreciates others he knows from Decorah High School who have made similar commitments to serve in the United States Armed Forces, specifically Holt Johansen, Brad Suhr, Nathan Suhr, Jacob Marlow, and Tristan Rowley.  Numerous other Decorah High School graduates are serving the US Armed Forces.
 
Brody plans to attend college under the GI Bill after he has served his 4 years of active duty. After college, he plans to either enter the civilian workforce or attend Officer Candidate School  to become an Officer in the United States Navy.
 
"I would like to see more people join," says Brody. "It's a great choice to serve our country and help people."