As a child, Springfield Township’s Jacob Beno was fascinated by helicopters and flight. One day, some of his mother’s glass figurines became victims of that intrigue when the eight year old pulled the string on a toy helicopter, propelling it across the room smashing the collectibles.
That once frustrated mother now joins the rest of her family proudly witnessing their son and brother transform his youthful whims into the start of a career serving his country in the military.
Beno, 19, recently was awarded the ‘Distinguished Graduate Award? for earning the highest grade point average during his 16 week U.S. Army Advanced Individual Training Class in Fort Eusis, Virginia. The class prepared Beno to repair Black Hawk helicopters, which may serve as a stepping stone to serve as a crew chief flying along on missions, making repairs, providing gun support and other services.
A former Clarkston High football player and recipient of the ‘Unsung Hero Award? as a senior, Beno thrived in the hands-on education atmosphere and was even selected by a previous platoon leader to lead his 67-member platoon for six weeks. His duties included assisting the drill sergeant in maintaining platoon accountability and relaying orders.
‘My goal has always been to do the best I could and lead by example, letting my actions show,? said Beno.
Now Beno, who hopes one day to fly Black Hawk helicopters, assists with recruiting in the area prior to his Nov. 8 deployment to Wurzburg, Germany.
‘It’s my first time out of the time zone, so I’m pretty excited. I’ve talked to instructors and have yet to hear a bad thing about Germany,? said Beno, who is enlisted for six years, which he noted was standard for his particular program.
In order to fulfill his dream of piloting a Black Hawk helicopter, Beno must be accepted into a 14-month training program which requires promotion in rank from E2 to E3, passing flight aptitude and physical tests, and letters of recommendation from officers and commanders.
According to Beno, the Black Hawk helicopter is a utility transport helicopter with many uses which often transports troops or evacuates wounded soldiers.
The decision to enter the military was not taken lightly by Beno or his parents. Taking the initiative, Beno researched the Army for six months, making sure he met the restrictions allowing him to become a pilot. He also discovered the Army offered a much more affordable program than college, with more training hours.
‘The military appeals to me. The camaraderie is appealing,? said Beno.
‘I think he missed the feeling of being part of a team,? said his father Bill. ‘People asked me how I could let my son join the Army. It was his decision and we’re proud of it. I remember him saying he didn’t have a problem fighting for their country. It showed a lot about his character.?
Proud mother Kristi, who was surprised by the positive letters back from Jacob during basic training, admitted they have concerns, but think it is the right choice for their son.
‘We’re proud of him. We both want our kids to enjoy what they do. His love and ambition (for flying) told me that’s what he wanted to do. All I can do is support it,? said Kristi.
When faced with the question of potentially joining combat overseas, Beno acknowledges it is part of the equation.
‘The system works. If you do your job how you’re trained, then everyone comes home alive? I’m looking forward to maybe flying a medivac chopper and that’s awesome,? said Beno, who wants the chance to use his dream of flying to help people. ‘I don’t want to be mediocre at anything.?
Beno joined the Army after spending one semester at Western Michigan University for mechanical engineering. He begin to consider the military which was on his mind throughout high school.
‘I saw way too many people (at college) doing the same thing every weekend. I even see it now when I visited Michigan State last weekend,? said Beno.
Beno’s parents, Bill and Kristi, live in Springfield Township with their 17-year-old daughter Jenna who is a senior at Clarkston High School. Jenna is also considering joining the National Guard to pursue a career in physical therapy.