Photo By Cynthia Stephenson | Future Soldier Timothy Jackson trains at the Harrisburg Recruiting Station as part of...... read more read more
HARRISBURG, Pa. - For Timothy, a forklift operator and lifelong resident of Pennsylvania, the decision to join the U.S. Army was more than a career move, it was a personal awakening.
“I always wanted to join,” he said. “But like a lot of people out of high school, I thought I had all the time in the world. I kept thinking, ‘maybe next year’ I was procrastinating.”
That changed after a tragedy that shook him to his core, the loss of a close friend of 10 years to senseless violence.
“That was the breaking point for me,” Timothy shared. “His death reminded me how short life can be. I knew I couldn’t keep standing still. I had to do something—now.”
Motivated by that loss and a desire to forge his own path, Timothy enlisted in the Army through the Harrisburg Recruiting Station and began the Future Soldier Training Program. The program provided structure, purpose, and preparation for Basic Combat Training.
Now, he’s ready for what’s next and excited to see where the journey leads.
“I’ve lived in Pennsylvania my whole life. I want to see more, experience more, be more,” he said. This is my chance to explore the world, meet new people, and find out what I’m capable of”.
When asked what his friend would say if he could see him now, Timothy answered without hesitation.
“He’d be proud. He always wanted me to go explore, to stop waiting around. I know he’d tell me to keep going, because I have what it takes.”
As the oldest of five siblings, Timothy hopes his journey will inspire his family, especially his 22-year-old sister, who is now considering Army service herself.
“I want to set an example,” he said. “Not just for my sister, but for all my siblings. I want them to know they have choices. They can take their future into their own hands, just like I did.”
Timothy’s story is one of transformation, proof that no matter your background or past hesitations, it’s never too late to take the first step toward something greater.
His message to others is clear: “Do what’s best for you. Write your own future, whatever that looks like. Explore your options. Whether it’s the Army, college, or a business, take that first step and go. Don’t let fear or procrastination hold you back.”
As Timothy looks ahead to his Army career, one thing is certain: he’s no longer standing still. He’s forging forward with purpose, pride, and the drive to succeed.
Interested in exploring your path with the Army? Visit goarmy.com or contact your local recruiting station to learn more.
| Date Taken: | 07.31.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 07.31.2025 10:39 |
| Story ID: | 544365 |
| Location: | HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 102 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Pennsylvania Native Finds Purpose in Army Service, by Cynthia Stephenson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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