Todd Paris, Associate Editor and Salisbury Attorney/the RFP Newsroom
♦ Stephen Elliott Arthur, former Salisbury City Council Candidate, “shipped out” this morning for basic training to Fort Sill, Oklahoma for nine weeks of basic training and a further three weeks at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri to become an “88 Mike” with the National Guard 1454th Transportation Company in Concord, NC.
In an interview at his going away party last Sunday, Mr. Arthur acknowledged that even National Guard Units in recent years have often been activated to war zones and placed in harm’s way. Arthur, pointing to a proud family tradition of two uncles that were both Vietnam Veterans, said he was looking forward to “stepping outside his comfort zone” to serve his country. Arthur further mentioned that at 31 years of age and with no commitments like a wife and children to hold him back, now was the time. Beyond his desire to serve, the Guard and Reserve would allow him to qualify for the GI Bill so as to complete his education started at RCCC in information technology and business that was set aside during the recent recession.
Our best wishes go out to Stephen and his family as he leaves Salisbury to serve his state and nation. He may well write back to us from time to time to inform us as to his progress. Good luck Stephen and thank you for your service!
