As one chapter of Revere senior Jake Nye’s life ends, he thinks upon the next part of his life. Finishing high school, he now accepts the next big challenge that awaits him in life, serving his country through the Armed Forces.

Jake Nye is a Revere senior who will enter the United States Marines Corps after he graduates high school this summer with the support of his family and friends.
Nye described why he wanted to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“I love my country and so does my entire family, and there is no better way to show your love for your country than serving in the military,” Nye said.

Nye’s father Jay Nye voiced concerns for his son’s safety as a Marine, but he also expressed great pride in his son’s decision to pursue the Marine Corps. He trusts that the U.S Armed Forces will look after his son’s well-being while allowing Nye to stay true to his positive nature.

“[I have many thoughts like] worry for safety, absolute pride in my son to be a Marine, trust in God for his well-being, confidence in the U.S. Armed Forces to train my son to be a complete warrior and leader . . . . I hope he keeps his humor and his fearless attitude to put himself out there,” his father said.

Nye described the moment in which he knew that he wanted to join the Armed Forces.

“Ever since I was young I have been taught that military veterans are superheroes. I have always looked up to veterans and I told myself one day that I was going to be like them. It was freshman year that I chose the Marine Corps,” Nye said.

His father also mentioned the impact that his family history had on Nye’s decision to serve in the Marine Corps.

“I am a very patriotic person, our family is patriotic. I have sung the National Anthem in many places and [Nye] watched me do this for many years and then he started to sing. He has always been taught the [United States of America] is the greatest country on the face of the earth and it is an honor to serve in the military. We have always held our service men and women high in our house and we pray for them. He also has both grandfathers who served, Dale Nye in the US Navy in Korea and Robert Sallaz in the US Army in Vietnam. He has great grandparents,” his father said.

His father explained the impact wrestling has made on his son’s life and how it will transfer over to the Armed Forces.

“There is no other sport that is tougher than wrestling. Wrestling builds you to deny yourself and work through pain and hardship like no other sport. It teaches you to push yourself past the point of your limitations and greatly strengthens mental toughness. [Nye] is a tough kid soon to be turned into a tough man in the Marines. Wrestling will give him an edge with becoming a leader in the Marines and to work through those tough days of training ahead. I have every confidence he will succeed as a Marine and excel as a leader,” his father said.

Nye’s wrestling coach Dan Mosher described how Nye’s leadership skills from wrestling will help him succeed in the Marine Corps.

“[Nye] has learned many valuable skills from wrestling that will transfer over to the armed forces. The mental toughness required to withstand intense physical workouts and to persevere in defeat will surely help him to push through the difficult times. He will also be able to work effectively as a team for the common good and lead others to do so,” Mosher said.

Nye talked about how his home life has prepared him for his future in the armed forces.

“My parents have always taught me respect and responsibility. They have also taught me to do what I am told without question. Also with a few family members that served, it gives me a sense of pride,” Nye said.

Nye has also participated in the sport of wrestling for years. Nye discussed what experiences from his high school career will help him excel in the Marine Corps.

“I believe since I was a wrestler I have a good mentality going into [The Marine Corps]. I was also the team captain this year and that is a very hard position to receive. I aim higher to graduate boot camp as either Squad Leader or Guide . . . . My parents have always taught me respect and responsibility,” Nye said.

Nye discussed some traits that he hopes to acquire during his time in the Armed Forces.

“ I hope to gain leadership skills, responsibility and respect, and to build my physical and mental strength. I also hope I become a better man and a better citizen,” Nye said.

After his first year of serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, Nye plans on either continuing a career in the Marines as an officer or attending Kent State University to major in athletic training.