West Point beckons for brother brigade

By AMY MAY

After one Greer graduates, another enters U.S. academy

The Daily Inter Lake

The Greer boys know a thing or two about sibling rivalry.

Like most brothers, Devon, 22, and Aaron, 18, grew up competing with each other.

"Aaron was always trying to keep up with his big brother," said their mother, Nancy Greer.

And so when Devon was accepted into the U.S. Military Academy at West Point four years ago, little brother Aaron was not about to be outdone.

This week Aaron will follow in his brother's footsteps and begin cadet basic training at West Point.

Devon, who graduated from the academy this past spring, will begin medical school for the military in the fall.

Both boys agree that the appeal of West Point lies in its one-of-a-kind opportunities.

Devon hopes to study internal medicine and pediatrics while at medical school.

Aaron wants to focus on Chinese for his undergraduate degree and perhaps participate in an exchange with a Chinese military academy.

A challenging course load is something both boys were prepared for - being accepted to West Point is no easy feat.

Aaron credits his opportunities at Flathead High School as part of the reason for his acceptance. In high school, Aaron was able to participate in the International Baccalaureate program, a set of standardized advanced courses.

Criteria for acceptance into the academy not only include stellar grades but also athletic achievement, community service and recommendations.

"Of course West Point is challenging," Devon said of getting into the school. "But they are training you to be a leader."

Such training includes a lot of hard work, most of which will begin for Aaron this week.

Cadet basic training, also known as "the beast," consists of pushing the new students both physically and mentally to the brink. And as Devon noted: "A lot of push-ups."

When Devon left for cadet basic training four summers ago, his mother had fears like most mothers.

"I was worried the Army would take away our Devon," she said.

But West Point has only refined and increased all of her son's good qualities, she said.

As for dropping Aaron off at "the beast" next week, Nancy Greer said the process will be both easier and more difficult than when she and her husband, David, dropped off Devon four years ago.

"Now I know what goes on," she said. "That makes it easier and harder at the same time."

For Aaron the hard work won't end once school starts in the fall and his brother was sure to warn him of that.

"While most people are sleeping we were up polishing our boots," Devon said of his time at West Point. "You get pretty sleep deprived."

But Devon said he doesn't regret missing out on a traditional college experience and that if it weren't for West Point, he likely wouldn't have the opportunity to attend medical school.

Once both of the boys are done with school, they will serve as officers in the military.

Before being accepted to medical school, Devon thought he might be heading straight for the Army.

"A good part of me expected to be going to Iraq after I graduated," Devon said. "A lot of my classmates are headed there without me."

At the thought of her sons serving, their mother said, "I would hope that they would become real leaders and not die in the process."

Aaron has spent the last few weeks enjoying what's left of his time at home.

And as for that last bit of advice from his big brother, Devon said, "Anyone can do West Point, but not everyone believes in themselves enough to get through."

Ever the little brother, Aaron rolled his eyes and said, "That's inspirational, you should write that down and mount in on the wall."

Reporter Amy May can be reached at 758-4459 or by e-mail at amay@dailyinterlake.com