"What do you want to do when you grow up?" This question, posed so often to young adults, typically results in ambiguous, pie-in-the-sky answers. Lake Braddock seventh grader and Springfield resident Travis Catina had a very specific response to that question, one that when published in the Dec. 30 Children’s Issue of The Connection caught the attention of U.S. Army officers at the Pentagon and earned him and his family a private tour.

In the brief essay which Catina wrote for an extra credit assignment in his English class and was submitted by his teacher, Jeanne Okano, to The Connection for inclusion in its annual Children’s Connection issue, he stated that when he grows up he wants to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an Army Ranger. Catina’s family has a long and illustrious history in the Army. Catina’s father, Rich, retired from the Army this year after serving for 20 years with the Special Forces. Catina’s mother, Cate, is also in the Army, currently serving as a lieutenant colonel at Ft. Belvoir. Catina’s great-uncle founded Delta Force, the U.S. Army’s tier one counter-terrorism unit.

"I’ve been interested in the military my whole life, and I wanted to express my interest by responding to the extra credit question," said Catina.

"Travis is very balanced," said his mother, Cate. "At 13, I didn’t know I would enter the army. When I did enter, I thought it would be only for four years. Travis has a goal and is very driven toward it. I have no doubt that he will achieve his goal.

FIVE SPECIAL FORCES MEMBERS were on hand to greet Catina and his family and to express their gratitude for his interest in Special Forces. Catina and his family were given an overview of Special Forces. Members of Special Forces are highly skilled soldiers with specialized training. Of specific interest to Catina were the character traits looked for in Special Forces candidates: integrity, courage, perseverance, personal responsibility, professionalism, adaptability, and team player.

"This is a big stress off my shoulders," said Catina of the briefing. Catina said that for the past two years he has been wondering how to achieve his goal of joining Special Forces. The officers on hand that day, gave him some very specific instructions.

"Stay right where you are at: physically fit and serious about your education. It is very hard to find individuals motivated about education and physically fit with a strong moral compass. Take what mom and dad have taught you to heart and keep your nose clean," was the advice given by Sgt. Maj. Scott Parker.

"Just as colleges look for balanced individuals, so does Special Forces. It is good to have balance in life and spread out your interests," said LTC Terence McGuire.

"You are on the right path. As you get older, know what right looks like. When you get in difficult situations, ask yourself: ‘What would mom and dad say?’ Stay on the right path," advised MSgt. Calvin Sowell.

FOLLOWING THE BRIEFING, Catina and his family visited the offices of Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler and Chief of Staff of the Army Raymond Odierno, both of whom were away from the Pentagon at the time. Then, Catina and his family visited the 9-11 Memorial.

McGuire hopes that Catina’s visit to the Pentagon will be as motivational to him as his essay was to the members of Special Forces. "His letter was inspirational to us. He’s motivational for all of us," said McGuire.