David and Kathy Yates, Parents of SSG Ryan Yates

David and Kathy's son, Ryan, joined the Army the day after his high school graduation. He hasn't looked back since: leading a platoon in Iraq, earning a Bronze Star and following his father's advice–and footsteps–by becoming an Avionics System Repairer. David and Kathy have always supported Ryan's decision to join. And they've seen the positive effect the Army has had on him.

Service Options

What are the enlistment options for my son or daughter?

"I think the Army is a great opportunity for a young man or woman because it gives them the time to really see what they want to do. I don't think anybody when they first graduate from high school really knows what they want to do. And this gives them an opportunity to see other parts of the country. So I think it helps you grow up, whether you stay in just for two years or three years or you make a career of it."   – Kathy

Training

What kind of training will my son or daughter receive?

"I noticed a big difference in Ryan. A lot more grown up. I saw a lot of growing up even from Basic Combat Training. We went back for graduation and it was nice to see how excited he was and how much growing up he had done just in that little of a time."   – Kathy

Job Opportunities

What kinds of benefits does the Army provide?

"I just tried to tell him that if you're going to go do something in the Army, it's really a good idea to get something that you could use on the outside. So the thing that you learn while you're in there, make sure that you could use it when you get out."   – David

Deployment

What happens during deployment?

"You always get a little worried when your child is off in a land that isn't a very nice land. But I felt that Ryan was doing something that, if it was up to me, I'd probably be doing the same thing."   – David

"I think what helped me is Ryan was very confident in himself and he really believed in what was happening. So that helped me get through it."   – Kathy