Recruiters honor man for service

The U.S. Army has three words to say about Mike Croxson — soldier, brother, friend.

On most days, Croxson, 47, can be seen at The Pizza Factory in Arbuckle, the local teen and family hot spot he operates with his family.

On other days, Croxson, a military reserve staff sergeant with the California Emergency Management Agency, wears the same uniform, has taken the same oath, and ultimately shares the same mission as the servicemen and women who admire him.

"Mike is very patriotic," said Staff Sgt. Joseph Lynch, station commander of the Woodland Army Recruiting Center. "He's done more to promote the Army than anyone I know."

On Wednesday, Woodland recruiters honored Croxson for his dedication to military service, and for being a local sounding board to Arbuckle youth considering the military as a means to an education, a lifelong career or just a way out of town.

"I want our kids to have the same opportunity that I had to grow up and become a good citizen," said Croxson, who served in both the Army and Air Force since 1981. "I think everyone should do at least two years in the service. It changed me from a kid to an adult."

In the past few years, seven or eight Arbuckle youth have joined the military, a large number considering last year's senior class had only 92 graduates and the high school has fewer than 400 students.

Almost all whom had enlisted had worked at the Pizza Factory, and few had the means to attend college on their own and had even fewer prospects for a higher paying job.

The enlistment numbers average higher than elsewhere in the state, Lynch said.

"It's incredible to get seven or eight kids from a town of this size," Lynch said. "It's almost unheard of."

But the enlistment boom is a trend recruiters are seeing across the country.

Lynch said the lengthy economic downturn, which has created double-digit unemployment rates in most states, and a strong sense of patriotism, especially in rural areas, have made recruiting easier.

"I'm seeing more people viewing the Army as an opportunity to get an education and a way to better their lives," Lynch said. "Many see it as an opportunity to travel - to get out and see some of the world."

Pierce High School graduate Brandon Bento is in Germany, working on helicopters, and graduate Heather Kilgore is in Korea, working as a paralegal specialist. Both, like most of Arbuckle's enlisted, had worked for Croxson at the Pizza Factory.

Some of the kids, like Croxson, are following the path of their fathers and grandfathers who also served in the military.

And like most of Arbuckle's young servicemen and women, they write and call home to family and friends with little or no regret for the choices they made, even though enlistment in the military means almost certain deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Some will pay the ultimate price, like Pierce High School graduate Army Pfc. Justin A. Casillas, 19, who was killed in action on July 4, 2009, as he valiantly tried to save an injured friend while under heavy attack by the enemy, according to the United States Defense Department.

"Justin was an awesome soldier," Lynch said. "There are few like him. He chose infantry because it was something he wanted to do. He was a hero because he was a heroic individual. He was the kind of person who makes history."

Casillas received the Silver Star posthumously — for his heroic actions in battle — in June.

"Make no mistake - it is a dangerous job, and we are at war," Lynch said. "But I don't know of a job that is ultimately more rewarding than serving your country."

Casillas' death provides even more reason for Croxson to volunteer his time to Colusa County youth considering the military.

"I'm always open to anyone who wants to talk about joining the military," Croxson said. "It's a big decision, but it's such a honor to serve your country."

Since the boon in enlistment, the U.S. Army has begun taking greater care with finding youth who are a good fit with military life, Lynch said, especially during war time.

The U.S. Army no longer allows its enlisted men and woman to have just a General Education Development certificate, awarded to those who pass a single test on a variety of subjects instead of finishing high school.

"You must have a high school diploma to enlist in the Army," he said. "We don't take just anyone."

Recruiters also spend more time with potential recruits, making sure they are physically and mentally prepared for military life.

"If they are not ready, we tell them," Lynch said. "We want them to make sure this is what they want to do. Some, we think will serve the community better by staying home and going to college."

In the end, most whom enlisted, Lynch said, finds the military a great way to start their lives, while providing the ultimate defense of America's freedom and way of life for millions of people.

Although Wednesday's presentation by the recruiters was jovial, Croxson said he was humbled by the award and the recognition given him by the Woodland Recruiting Center.

Croxson, a retired correctional officer with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, has also received numerous awards and commendations for his service in law enforcement.

Contact Susan Meeker at 458-2121 or smeeker@tcnpress.com.