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 2
Tanya: Jonathan has been in the military for a year now and he's matured quite a bit. Right now the responsibilities that Jonathan has in his life is he is married and he has a baby girl and he's really starting to understand what being a parent means. And its just, its the dream that we all had for him. I think my son has changed so much for the better since he's been in the Army. The Army has grown him into this wonderful man and where it is like I said earlier I am concerned about him going overseas I, I believe that they have equipped him and taught him how to go over there and take care of himself as well as his friends, and I believe that with Jon's focus and determination he can do anything he wants to do. While I'm still concerned because I am his mother, I do feel differently about the Army now, I'm very proud of him, I'm proud of what they have taught him, I'm proud of the man that he is becoming while being in the Army.
I would tell other Moms with children that want to join the Army that in the beginning you would probably be a little afraid but because of the opportunities that the Army has, it helps them to grow and to develop and to become the people that we want our children to become. To have a son that is serving our country, that actually makes me very proud.
I am proud of my son Jon. He'll always be my baby, but now he's a man.