PRIVATE JONATHAN HUGHES
WITH LOVE AND SUPPORT
“Mischievous.” This is how Tanya Forbes formerly described her son Jonathan. Tanya knew her son had the tools to be successful but realized he didn’t always apply himself. Much to her surprise, Jonathan decided to talk to an Army Recruiter, which led to his enlisting in the Army.
She knew then he was serious about focusing on his personal growth and building a stronger future. Tanya admits she was worried about Jonathan going to BCT and AIT but knew it was for the best.
“Since he’s been in the Army, he’s matured quite a bit. It’s teaching him that he needs to move forward in his life.”
— Tanya Forbes
Throughout the next year, Tanya observed her son become a strong Soldier and mature into a “wonderful man.” She recalls how handsome Jonathan was in his uniform when he graduated from basic training and how he even looked taller standing at attention.
Tanya was amazed at how the Army had helped transform Jonathan mentally and physically into a more responsible individual.
“I think my son has changed so much for the better since he’s been in the Army.”
— Tanya Forbes
Jonathan has also demonstrated great maturity in his personal life as a husband and proud father of a baby girl. “He’s really starting to understand what being a parent means,” states Tanya.
It’s a dream she always had for her son. Jonathan is stationed at Fort Riley, KS, and works as a Fire Support Specialist. This job specialty requires Jonathan to work as a member of an artillery team used to support infantry and tanks.
He is also responsible for leading, supervising or serving in intelligence activities. The experience Jonathan has gained and skills he has learned can help him pursue a career in the civilian world in computer consulting, information technology support or data processing.
“I’m very happy with what the Army has taught Jon and is allowing him to become.”
— Tanya Forbes
Tanya had no idea that Army training could benefit her son in so many ways. She now feels differently about the Army because of the opportunities, education and potential for self-development it provides. Tanya openly admits that Jonathan is now a man…with a very bright future ahead of him.“To be the mother of a son serving our country makes me very proud,” says Tanya.
- PVT Jonathan Hughes
- PVT Jonathan Hughes 2
PVT JONATHAN HUGHES
Tanya: My name is Tanya Forbes and my son Jonathan serves with the U.S. Army. Jonathan as a boy was always getting in trouble. Jon was always up to something very mischievous.
Jonathan was actually the first grandson and he was a spoiled brat and it wasn't me it was my father that spoiled him. He didn't always apply himself like he should until the last minute and that actually got him in a little deeper trouble than he realized. But since he's been in the Army, he's matured quite a bit. It's teaching him that he needs to move forward in his life, to think about his future, to think about his family. I think he understands now the importance of education. I was very worried about Jonathan in basic training but when I saw him at graduation I knew everything was OK and I ran up to him and gave him a great big hug. It was real exciting because he was only three hours away, the entire family was able to go to his graduation and so we were all there cheering. He looked at me and I looked at him and I was surprised that he was so happy to see me; we both just kind of ran to each other and just really held on. I was very proud of Jonathan when I first saw him walk out in that uniform. Almost looked taller, 'cause they were making him stand tall, so he looked very handsome.
To be the mother of a son serving our country makes me very proud. I'm very happy with what the Army has taught Jon and is allowing him to become.