MILWAUKEE, Wis. –
Jaylin Knox, of Ames, Iowa took a Lambeau Leap into the United States Army after witnessing Maj. Gen. Johnny K. Davis, Commanding General, United States Recruiting Command and Fort Knox administer a swearing-in and reenlistment for future Soldiers, and Army Reserve Soldiers during halftime of a Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams game in December 2022.
Knox was inspired by the patriotic display on the field and decided to reach out to a recruiter because of it.
“What made me decide to serve? I’d rather be doing something for my country, for the good,” said Knox.
Knox’s decision came as a surprise to his family who were also in attendance during the game.
“It’s wild to think this all started with taking our nephews to Lambeau Field for their first NFL game. Jaylin stayed to explore enlistment. Fast forward four months and he’s joined the Army! We couldn’t have predicted this unfolding of events in a million years yet here we are. We couldn’t be more proud of him,” said Missy Wells.
After the game Knox did not even return to his home state of Iowa, but rather he enlisted out of a recruiting station in Appleton, Wisconsin.
Sgt. First Class Kevin Sault, Deputy Commander of Appleton Army Recruiting Station, and his team helped Knox make his transition into the Army, and see big things in his future as a Soldier.
“Assisting Jaylin to pursue his desire to enlisted in the United States Army has been a great pleasure. The Army has made so many positive changes in my life and I am very proud of Jaylin for making a positive life choice. Jaylin will without a doubt benefit from his decision, and I am confident that his work ethic and desire to succeed will propel him to being an excellent soldier,” said Sault.
Knox took an oath of enlistment March 29 and left for Fort Jackson April 11.
Knox joined the Army as part of the Future Soldier Preparatory Course program which assists future Soldiers raise their Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test scores and physical fitness challenges.
More than 8,400 students have attended the Future Soldier Preparatory Course since it was established in August 2022. Each program has a graduation rate greater than 95 percent.