Edwardsburg High School graduate Joseph Raab, 18, can remember the moment he decided he wanted to be in the military when her grew up. He was in the sixth grade when he knew that he wanted to don a military uniform, he said.

However, Raab’s father, Daniel, can remember that desire to be in the military starting even younger than that.

“When he was in preschool, the school did this thing where they called everyone up and asked them what they wanted to be,” Daniel said. “He said, even as a little boy, that he wanted to be a soldier.”

Due to this long-time desire, it was something of a dream come true for Raab when he was recently sworn in as midshipman in the U.S. Naval Reserve at the United States Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York. Raab was nominated to the academy by Congressman Fred Upton, of Michigan’s sixth congressional district, which is one of the admission requirements of the USMMA.

Upon graduation, Raab will be qualified to join the active duty armed forces, or he can remain in the reserves.

“When I received my nomination from Congressman Upton I felt extremely relieved. The process was so long and getting the nomination is one of the hardest and most time consuming parts,” Raab said. “It was one of the greatest moments of my life because my dreams had come true and at that moment I knew that hard work was the only way to keep great things coming my way.”

USMMA has its students lead a disciplined life, with classes running from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m., followed by physical training. Raab said that he finishes his days studying between 10 p.m. to midnight. While this schedule may seemsgrueling to some, Raab said it is all worth it because it will lead him to fulfilling his dream of joining the armed forces.

“It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it,” he said.

Raab’s father believes that hearing stories of 9/11 growing up may have impacted Raab’s decision to serve in the armed forces. While this may have impacted Raab, his reason for wanting to join the military is simple.

“I wanted to become a midshipman at the United States Merchant Marine Academy because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself, whether it be the maritime industry or one of the branches of the military,” Raab said.

Raab said that he would not have been able to do any of this without his family’s support.

“My family’s reaction [to his nomination to USMMA] was great,” Raab said. “They were super happy for me and supported me all the way through my final decision to accept and become a part of the academy.”

His father said that though it was difficult to let Raab leave the nest, the family will always support the 18-year-old so long as he stays out of trouble and grows into a respectable man.

“We are very proud of him,” Daniel said. “We hope that he continues to do well and succeeds.”