Sumter Hometown Recruiters Share their Army Stories

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Back in their hometown of Sumter, S.C., Pvt. Jlonnie McLeod and Pvt. Robert D. Wilson Jr. are glad to be home. Not only are they enjoying time with friends and family, but they are furthering their Army careers and spreading the Army message in a place they both call home.McLeod and Wilson are participating in the U.S. Army’s Hometown Recruiter Assistance Program (HRAP). Through HRAP, recently trained soldiers volunteer to return to their hometown or place of enlistment and share their Army experiences with people in the local community. McLeod, 19, was born and raised in Sumter. After Basic Training (BT) at Fort Jackson, S.C. and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, Va., McLeod is enthusiastic about being back in Sumter to tell his Army story. “I want everyone to see what the Army is all about; I want them to experience what I experienced,” says McLeod.After attending Crestwood High School, McLeod was inspired to join the Army in March of 2011 by his mother. “My mom is a strong woman and she wants to see me succeed. This is my way of getting out to see the world and to stand on my own two feet,” says McLeod. Another influence was McLeod’s father, who was in the Army as well.Through HRAP, McLeod is able to go out into his local community and share his Army story with Sumter residents and youth. McLeod says it’s enjoyable and easy to talk to young people. “They can relate to me because of my age,” says McLeod. After HRAP McLeod plans to attend a military college to further his career. He is moving to his permanent station in Kansas on Aug. 2, a move he is “really excited” about.Pvt. Robert D. Wilson Jr., 27, joined the Army this year to better himself and provide for his wife and 3 children. A previous electrical builder for Cutler Hammer, Wilson was also looking for new career opportunities within the Army. Wilson’s father, Wilson Sr., was in the Army for 21 years, which also inspired Wilson to join. After completing BT at Fort Jackson, S.C. and AIT at Fort Lee, Va., Wilson says he is enjoying HRAP in Sumter. “I like telling people about what I’ve done through the Army,” says Wilson. After HRAP Wilson hopes to transfer into the civilian world to work on weapons, where he thinks his previous work experience and skills will be beneficial to the Army.

(Pictured left to right) Staff Sgt. Joseph A. Holden, Staff Sgt. Leroy Williams, Pvt. Robert D. Wilson Jr., Pvt. Jlonnie McLeod, Staff Sgt. Robert K. Hayward and Sgt. 1st Class Arthur R. Bruton at the Sumter Recruiting Station

 The Sumter Recruiting Station is located at 35 E Wesmark Blvd., Sumter, S.C., 29150. The station can be reached by telephone at (803) 778-2437.
Chloe Rodgers, A&PA/ESS Assistant, Columbia Recruiting Battalion