Garretson Soldier PVT E2 Jarad Grimes arrived home February 6 after completing his AIT (Advanced Individual Training)at Ft. Lee, VA. Grimes had enlisted in SD Army National Guard. Jarad was inspired to enlist in the Army and follow the examples of his grandfather and father, who both served in the military service. He is a member of the 1742 Transportation Co. He has a seven year obligation to the National Guard, including a monthly drill and two weeks’ summer AT (Annual Training). After enlistment he received ten weeks of Basic Training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma.
There was a period of time when getting adapted to the Army routine and learning to live with a new group of soldiers caused some loneliness. Some soldiers have more difficulty adapting to training and Army discipline. Jarad quickly adapted and completed Basic Training.
He was transferred to Ft. Lee, VA for a thirteen week training course learning to be a Light Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic. The living situation at Ft. Lee was good with three soldiers assigned to each room in the dormitory.
After his return home he plans to work for a year and then attend a Vo Tech School to study Business Management. Grimes is a graduate of Brandon High School. His mother is Lisa Meinders of Garretson.
