Karley Reynolds follows her dreams!

Karley Reynolds, daughter of Adrian alums Jeremiah and Kelly Reynolds, has taken an oath to serve in the United States Army Reserves!  On October 19, 2018, Karley was sworn into the reserves for job training as a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist (74D) in the Army.  Karley, a junior at Harrisonville High School and a former Blackhawk, has known for alot of years that she would join the armed forces.  She was inspired by Adrian veterans as well as a long line of veterans in her family.  

Every year Adrian holds K-12 assemblies to honor veterans.  The band and choir perform patriotic songs, students lead the Pledge of Allegiance, and a video is put together to honor veterans.  Karley said, "Ever since I was younger I have had the dream of serving my country. What really started this was the 9/11 service Adrian held at the school. I remember singing to the veterans and feeling in my heart at a young age the pride and joy reflected from the men and women standing in front of me. Joining the reserves allows me to serve my country, and also go to college to pursue my other dream job of delivering babies."

Karley is following in the footsteps of family members who have also served this great nation.  They include:  Great Grandpa Lloyd Williams, United States Navy; Cousin Jeff Goss, Army; Great Grandpa AJ Goss, Navy; Great Grandpa Chuck, Air Force; Great Uncle Granvel, Air Force; and Great Great Grandpa Jeff Crumpton, Army.


Karley will never forget the road to being sworn-in. "The whole experience of the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) will be unforgettable," Karley shared.  "Waking up at 3:30 to start the day off, the very in-depth processing, and swearing-in was beyond what I could’ve imagined."  Karley said the most memorable part of the process was taking an oath to serve.  She said, "At the end of the day, the part that really stands out to me was when I was being sworn-in. As I was standing with my right hand up, promising to serve my country and my brothers and sisters, my heart started beating uncontrollably because I was actually 'doing this'!”

As soon as school gets out for the summer, Karley will be leaving for basic training.  She said, "The next step (after being sworn-in) is to tackle basic training and graduate from it a better person than I was when I entered basic."  Karley will be home in time for her senior year of high school.  Once she graduates, Karley will begin job training for the Army to be a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist (74D). In the Spring of 2019 and beyond, Karley said, "I will be attending college to pursue my other dream job, an OB/GYN.  In the far future, I’ll marry the love of my life, raise a family, and live the life God has planned for me."

The love and support from Karley's family is reflected in the words of her parents and three brothers.  Jeremiah and Kelly said:  "As Karley's parents we couldn't be more proud of her decisions she is making.  She has and always will be a VERY strong-willed young woman."  Wyatt, her older brother, made a one word, powerful statement about his sister's decision:  "RESPECT."  Karley's younger brothers are equally supportive.  Jace said, "I am excited for my sis and her journey in the future."  Nate said, "I am proud of her!"  

Karley shared these sentiments of gratitude:  "I am completely and utterly thankful for my parents and the rest of my family for supporting my dreams and goals! I’m also thankful for Sargent Micheal Dayak for helping me get started on this adventure. Most of all, I thank God for allowing me to live such a blessed life."

Best of luck, Karley!  God bless you and thank you for your service!