Guard calls, UIU student’s graduation put on hold
FAYETTE, Iowa (January 11, 2008) - When Upper Iowa University (UIU) senior Josh Fox was asked what he thought about having to put his college graduation on hold because of being called to duty by the Iowa National Guard, his response was, "It's my job."
Not only did Fox have just six classes left before earning his degree in sports communication, but he had to turn down a videographer internship with the Arizona Rattlers Arena Football team in Phoenix, Ariz. He had interviewed and was accepted into the Rattlers' program, scheduled to leave mid-January. The Rattlers chose Fox because of his experience over the past several seasons as the official videographer for the UIU football team, filming practices and games and then editing the tapes for highlight and motivational videos.
"I traveled with the team everywhere and had the opportunity to meet a lot of people, including Butch Raymond, the Northern Sun Commissioner; Greg White, a Division II football columnist, as well as coaches and videographers from other schools," said Fox. "The Upper Iowa coaches were great to work for, too, and gave me a lot of helpful information on the correct way to film football."
PFC Fox joined the Iowa Army National Guard in December, 2006 as a member of the 133rd Transportation Unit and will be shipping out on Feb. 20 for Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. There he will complete 17 weeks of advanced individual training to become a combat medic.
"I feel it is my responsibility as an American citizen to serve some time in the military, though many don't," said Fox. "Many soldiers fought and died to make our country free, so I joined in hopes of being part of an effort to free the people of the Middle East as well."
When the Sumner native returns, he will be assigned to the 133rd Infantry Unit in Waterloo. Fox plans to finish his degree at Upper Iowa next fall, stating, "Hopefully, I can get it done before we possibly deploy."