MHS graduate ventures on to military academy

    Most high school graduates head off to the workforce or college, not knowing what they want in life.
    Eighteen-year-old Brad Soviak has known all along what his ambitions are and plans to attain his goals through a military academy.
    The Middletown High School graduate has already received several military appointments to places like Service Academics, the United States Air Force Academy and the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
    What struck his interest among those acceptances is the United States Military Academy at West Point. Soviak is enrolled and ready to begin Cadet Basic Training this summer.
    “I really only focused on West Point and I ended up being accepted,” Soviak said. “It was a bit of a shock and a nice surprise.”
    Soviak also was accepted at the University of Delaware and Widener University, and received an Air Force ROTC and Army ROTC scholarship.
    During high school, he participated in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps program and obtained the rank of Core Commander of the unit.
    “I was responsible for overseeing all the cadets in the program,” Soviak said.
    Soviak has accumulated 1,000 hours of volunteer community service during his high school career.
    He has volunteered for American Heart Walk, Color Guards, Toys for Tots, Boy Scouts of America, the M.O.T. Big Ball Marathon, food drives, Easter Seals and more.
    Robin Soviak, Brad’s mother, said he collected 400 cans during the JROTC annual Holiday food drive and has organized charitable community events such as a 5K Run/Walk called “Run for Our Soldiers,” which benefited the Veterans Administration.
    “We raised our boy to focus on the community and to give back,” she said. “We are very proud of him. We know he has taken on a lot of responsibility, especially in JROTC with leadership, academics and cross-country. He had a goal and he went for it.”

The next step   
    Soviak said the start of his career at West Point will begin with reception day.
    “I go in on R day and spend my summer going through basic training all the way until acceptance day in August,” he said. “I do not earn the cadet status until Aug. 15.”
    After Soviak completes basic training, he will go into his first academic term.
    “I go through all the training like the U.S. Army, but with academics,” he said. “I will have a course load. At the end of freshmen year, I select my major.”
    Soviak said his plan is to major in mechanical engineering and after completing four years at West Point, he will receive commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and perform active duty.
    “I am required a minimum of five years in the army and three years in the army reserve,” he said.

Family of soldiers
    Soviak was inspired to join the army because of his family’s involvement.
    “My brother is at West Point,” he said. “He has been my role model for the past several years. I have had uncles and grandfathers in the Navy and Army, and the older generations of my family have been very active in the military.”
    Soviak said he tried to enjoy the time he has left with friends and family, while maintaining physical activity like running.
    Robin said the college recommends to family and friends that they write to the cadet every day because that is the only form of communication allowed.
    “The only thing he can take with him is a Bible, an 8x10 photo, his running shoes and the clothes on his back,” she said. “They provide him with hygiene necessities and he maybe can bring a watch. Nothing else. It will be a real eye opener for the kids.”
    Soviak reported to West Point June 29, and joined his brother Shaun, who will start his senior year at the academy. Soviak said he especially looks forward to attending the academy because his brother has traveled to places like Alaska to work with researchers on scientific studies.
    “I am looking forward to traveling,” he said.
    Robin said cadets have the opportunity to travel to many places like Africa and Russia.
    “The cadets have the opportunity to travel all over the world,” she said. “The opportunities are endless and they have the opportunity to work in their field during the military training.”
    Soviak said he hopes West Point will benefit his future in the military and he hopes to establish many friendships.
    “I am hoping to gain a strong and good education, and the necessary experience to go into the military,” he said. “I will probably make some of my closest friends there and know them for the rest of my life. I will go in and serve with them.”