By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
For nearly three decades, Erica Sleek asked her father to speak to her students on Veterans Day. Earl Sleek had served in the U.S. Army for three years and Ohio Army National Guard for nine years. For years after that he served as an honor guard at the funerals of fellow veterans.
But with the passing of her father, Sleek asked a younger generation of her family to carry on the tradition.
On Tuesday, her nephew Sgt. First Class Anthony Ferguson spent some time with students at Sleek Academy in Bowling Green. He was joined by fellow Army recruiter Staff Sgt. Daisy Craig.
“My hope is he can carry on the tradition of my dad,” Sleek said of Ferguson.
Both Ferguson and Craig come from a long line of military service – and plan to make the Army a career.
After graduating from Fostoria High School in 2012 and finding that college didn’t click for him, Ferguson consulted with his grandpa and two uncles, who had all served in the Army.
Ferguson enlisted in 2015, trained to work in IT, and now works as a recruiter. He has since earned a college degree.
Craig also tried college and other employment, then in 2013 joined the Army, where she found a purpose and financial security. As a single mom, the Army covers her child’s medical and educational expenses.
Her dad and brother served in the Marines, but accepted her choice of the Army. “I jump out of airplanes, so I’m cool,” she said.
Craig initially worked as a graphic designer and photographer, and now works as a recruiter.
Ferguson and Craig brought a ruck sack to Sleek Academy, and challenged students to pick it up. Students also tried on a flak jacket, made lighter without the customary bulletproof plates.
Students asked if those were “plates you can eat on?” and “do you shoot guns at people?” They talked about the different camouflage patterns.
Sleek said the Veterans Day visits help students understand the role the military plays in keeping the nation safe.
“We want these kids to understand. We need to understand what sacrifice is,” she said.
Ferguson and Craig left Sleek Academy with a bundle of homemade cards created by the students for members of the military who won’t be home for the holidays.
