West Sand Lake Resident Jake Wicks Joins New York National Guard; Follows in Fathers Footsteps

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New York Army National Guard Pvt. Jake Wicks is joined by his father Command Sgt. Major Frank Wicks, his mother Beth (left) and sister Julia (center), following his enlistment on Feb. 22

LATHAM, NY (02/26/2013)(readMedia)-- Jake Wicks from West Sand Lake, NY is literally following in his father's footsteps.

On Friday, Feb 25, the 19-year old Wicks enlisted in the New York Army National Guard. He is now the newest member of the 2nd Battalion 108th Infantry, the same unit his father, Command Sergeant Major Frank Wicks helped lead in Iraq in 2004.

"It's an honor to follow in my dad's footsteps and be with this unit, but I'm also looking to make a name for myself by supporting the unit the best I can," Jake said.

The senior Wicks deployed to the Sunni Triangle as the Battalions top Noncommissioned Officer. As Command Sgt. Major he provided advice to the commander of the 800-Soldier battalion. The unit conducted combat and stability operations as part of the 1st Infantry Division.

"I'm very proud to see my son joining 'the Family Business'. We have a long history of Soldiers serving their country in the Army National Guard," Frank Wicks said.

The Wicks' can track their family's long history of service back to the Civil War, when Jake Wicks' grandfather's grandfather served in the Massachusetts Volunteers in Louisiana. His Great Grandfather served in France during World War One and his great uncle, a Silver Star recipient was killed in action in New Guinea during World War Two, both serving in the National Guard. His grandfather also served in the Army during World War Two.

Jake makes the third Wicks currently serving in the New York Army National Guard.

His cousin Staff Sgt. Mike Wicks serves in the New York Army National Guard's Joint Force Headquarters.

"It's in my family," said Jake, adding "this is the right time in my life for me to serve also."

Jake's oath of enlistment was administered at the Military Entrance Processing Station in Albany by Brig. General Ray Shields, Director of Joint Staff for the New York National Guard.

"I am very pleased to see a young man with a strong desire to serve achieve his goal of enlisting. I look forward to serving with Private First Class Jake Wicks," his father said.