By Kathy Cook Hunter
In late November, John and Julia Grant of Silverton celebrated a son’s marriage along with the reunion of their three sons, each one smartly attired in a dress military uniform and dedicated to patriotic service to his country.
Spencer Grant, 20, home from the U.S. Marine Corps, was marrying Jessica Lucht, formerly of Molalla, at The Oregon Garden, although the two had been married in a civil ceremony earlier in the year.
“I made a commitment to her at the courthouse, but this is more for friends and family to share our happiness,” Spencer said. “We eloped knowing we would have a ceremony later.”
His commitment to her, he said, is “the ultimate way of saying you’re going to be with this person in all situations. You commit your life to happiness with each other … and you’re always there to help.”
Spencer’s other commitment is to his country and the Marines. It was a result of his older brother, Adam, 23, being a Marine – “I never considered the other (military) branches” – and a drive to do more with his life than attending college. “When you get ready to go you feel like you’re doing your part for Uncle Sam, whether it’s stateside or going to war,” he said. “You feel you’re doing your part. I wanted to serve my country and do my time.”
Soon after graduating from Silverton High School in 2006, he enlisted in the Marines for five years. Trained for air traffic control and based at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station near San Diego, Spencer sees his choice as a wise career move. “Right as I’m getting out there will be lots of jobs available,” he said, adding since the Marines guarantees approximately $87,000 in college money he may earn a degree in the aeronautical field or firefighting.
Spencer’s an emergency kind of person, his mother says. “He kicks into gear and calms everyone,” said Julia Grant. “He thinks well on his feet.”
Adam Grant, SHS class of 2005, has three years as a Marine under his belt. A helicopter mechanic, he deployed with the sea-going 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit for seven months in 2006 and served four of those months in Iraq.
“I thought the job I was doing was actually making a difference in the world,” Adam said, and his father chimed in, “He was affected by the 2001 attack and thought at that time he wanted to make a difference.”
Adam agreed that making a difference was a moral obligation to him, as well as a career move, something for his future.
“Being in the Marines, I’ve learned to have a positive attitude,” he said, “otherwise, you’re wasting your time. I look at it as an adventure.”
Close to his Oregon family, he says, “I call all them the time. I’m also at Miramar and when I’m flying I can hear him (Spencer) in the tower on the radio. That’s pretty cool.”
“As the oldest brother, I couldn’t be more proud of my brothers,” he said. “I can relate to what they’re going through and what they will go through and I appreciate their commitment to the country.”
Newly engaged to Leah Purdue, Adam plans to return to Oregon when his military service ends and either go to college or take a job working with helicopters.
Calvin, 18, a 2008 SHS grad and just out of boot camp, went a different way: He joined the U.S. Coast Guard.
“The reason I wanted to join the military was I saw the respect my brothers got from people,” Calvin said, “and that goes into patriotism – giving respect to prior service members, but also getting respect from my family, friends and the community.”
“I’m glad I chose the Coast Guard,” he said. “It was definitely the right choice for me. The Army and Air Force didn’t appeal and I saw the Marines’ expectations from my brothers’ experience. Being in the Coast Guard is like being a helper, a way to serve.”
He likes serving others, something he discovered when working at Union Gospel Mission for his senior project. “It’s not so war oriented,” he said. “We’re homeland security.”
Like brother Adam, he wants to work in some type of aviation maintenance. “All the way through high school I worked at Dad’s shop (Paul’s Small Motors in Mt. Angel) with small engines. Mechanics go everywhere. This will be an excellent opportunity for me.”
“I didn’t like being the little brother left behind” was another reason for opting for military service. “I wanted the discipline, the money and the experience.”
Boot camp showed him discipline, an emphasis on working as a team – “In the Coast Guard nothing is for yourself” – and that every Guardsman looks out for the others. “Because we’re so small (a branch) we’re more of a family.”
Now based in Sitka, Alaska, Calvin is considering a 20-year career in the Coast Guard. But, he said, “This wedding is what got me through boot.”
The next day, a sunny Saturday at The Oregon Garden found the three uniformed Grant boys, faces shining and brass gleaming, eager for the new lives, jobs and life partnerships that lay ahead of them.
