Aiden Goostree: A military future fueled by family

For Aiden Goostree, college isn’t the next step. Instead, his senior year has culminated in a decision to enlist in the United States National Guard. The inspiration behind his trailblazing choice? 

Family.

“I’ve wanted to be in the military since I was a kid,” Goostree said. “I’ve always seen my dad as a hero. He definitely influenced me to follow in his footsteps.”

Goostree comes from a military family: his great grandfather fought in World War I, and his father and sister are both currently members of the armed forces. Even though his mom’s primary concern is his safety, his entire family has greatly supported him throughout the process.

On the surface, Goostree is a pretty typical teenage boy. He plays football with his best friends, enjoys strategic video games and loves Captain America. Underneath, however, he’s driven by a strong moral compass and the undeniable urge to “make good in the world.”

His goals seamlessly align with those of the National Guard, which mainly responds to domestic emergencies such as natural disasters. He doesn’t believe we’ll be going to war anytime soon and would rather help those in need.

With that in mind, it’s no surprise that he comes from religious roots. Goostree went to St. Sebastian’s Parish School for elementary school before joining the Holy Cross Tradition. As a freshman at Hoban, he became a member of the football team. Over his four years on the team, through his altruism, he more than lived up to the “Knight” mascot that he and his teammates adorned every game.

“He’d give you the shirt off his back,” senior John Lauterjung said. “That’s just who he is.”

It was this selfless nature that helped him cultivate a memorable Hoban family. He attributes his ease with the grueling prospects of basic training to support from his teammates (whom he refers to as his “football family”) and the intensive regiment they undergo in preparation for each season. He feels ready to tackle whatever challenge his future hands him.

Like all major changes in life, of course, his enlistment carries a permissible level of concern along with it. For Goostree, that fear is deeply rooted in defeat.

“I hope I don’t fail,” Goostree said. “The only thing I’m scared of is failing.”

Even these worries are thwarted by family: Goostree’s brothers have been there whenever he needs a reminder that he’s “got this.”

Furthermore, what experience Goostree has had with his fellow enlistees has already yielded strong bonds and valuable friendships.

“I’ve met a lot of new people with the same career goals as me,” Goostree said while reminiscing about his first drill. “They’re like a new family to me.”

That’s what excites him the most about his future: the family that he’ll get to build throughout his service. Aidan Goostree is constantly motivated and inspired by the many families that he’s come to know. Whether by blood or sweat, his relationships are a huge part of his life. But he never lets them run it. When asked what advice he’d give to anyone considering a career path other than college, his answer was simple:

“Do what you wanna do, and don’t let other people influence you too greatly,” he said. “Only use them for guidance.”