McElroy, a fellow ‘Raider’ and alumnus, shared his story of growing up in the local historic area of Fort Hill and how faith, determination, and education shaped his life and put him on a path to serving in the military.

“Growing up, my grandmother would always say ‘Our willingness is our wealth, God’s word is the seed and our soul is the soil’," said McElroy as he recalled reciting evening prayers just before going to bed. 

Following evening prayers, McElory found an escape from the confines of his bedroom, allowing him to visualize a future of serving in the military.

While television sparked his curiosity and allowed him to see a bigger picture of life beyond the neighborhood boundaries, pursuing sports and educational goals came into focus. 

“I was asked, ‘When you graduate college, how many of your classmates will have a career vs. a job?’” said McElroy during his conversation with the ROTC instructor. “The instructor said ‘If you complete ROTC and get through the course, I can guarantee you - on the day you walk across the stage and raise your right hand - you will have a career.’ I said, ‘Sign me up.’”

Now, nearly 30 years later, he credits his achievements in part by taking action.

“We had a lot of interest after Brig. Gen. McElroy spoke to the cadets,” said Chief Master Sgt. Marcus Kirksey, 351 RCS senior enlisted leader. “Hopefully, we can keep the engagement and interest going over the next several years. Engaging our young people early is beneficial in helping them paint a picture of what their future can look like.”

This opportunity could not have been possible without the coordination and support of the local JROTC leadership.

“This was a phenomenal day for the kids to see someone who came from the same place where they are from,” said Lt. Col. Gregory Brown, senior Army instructor at Northeast High School. “To be able to hear the general’s story of how he rose to where he’s at now is inspiring not just to the kids but adults, as well. It inspired me!”