Goodfellow Student Spotlight for August

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Scott Jackson
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  2nd Lt. Garrett Grove, 315th Training Squadron student, is the Goodfellow Student of the Month Spotlight for August, a series highlighting exceptional Airmen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines.

17th Training Wing Public Affairs: What led you to join the military?

Grove: As a college freshman I was short on money, lacked experience and wasn't satisfied with the life I was living. I wanted more. I wanted to do something bigger than myself. With two veteran grandfathers and one uncle in the Army, I was drawn to the institution that made my greatest role models into the men they were. I wanted to serve. Two weeks from the moment I decided I would join, my uncle swore me in and I signed along the dotted line to join the Air Force Reserves.

While in basic military training, I gained an intense passion for serving and fell in love with the military's demand for discipline, excellence and high standards. I embraced this passion and joined the Air Force ROTC program at Ohio State. Four years later, after the most rewarding and developmental experience of my life, I'm here at Goodfellow.

What has been the most impactful moment in your career so far?

This is less of a moment and more of an experience, but the time that shines brightest for me currently is coaching the 315th black ropes and having watched them succeed in July. After countless hours of practice in the Texas summer heat, a team of some of the hardest-working and dedicated individuals I have ever met soared above their expectations and earned the regulation drill win. It's remarkable to watch the progress and team building that goes on. The development from a black rope's first day to competition is absolutely heart-warming.

They are working hard for the overall win in October.

What are your hobbies?

Drill is probably my biggest hobby, but I also play video games when I have time and love to go for a run or workout with friends after class to de-stress and relax.

What do you want to accomplish during your time here at Goodfellow Air Force Base?

Ultimately, I want to study hard and put myself in a position to succeed at my first assignment. Attaining a proficiency that allows me to serve my people and my country is the goal.

Beyond academic accomplishments, I want to see the 315th take the overall drill win, build meaningful friendships and connections and feel like I left here having given it my all.

Is there any advice or anything extra you would like to share?

Remember that it is harder to correct bad habits than to do things correctly from the start. Don't accept less from yourself than the best; it’s worth it.