Veterans Day is a day set aside to honor the many servicemen and women who make sacrifices to serve the nation.

Brian Horoshko, 23, of Lower Macungie Township is beginning his journey of becoming a part of this special group of Americans by preparing to serve his country.

He is the son of Scott and Sheri Horoshko. A 2020 graduate of Allentown Central Catholic High School, Horoshko took his oath July 20 and was scheduled to leave for basic training for the United States Army in Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., Nov. 12.

While a number of young people opt to join the armed forces upon graduation from high school, Horoshko made the decision to attend the California University of Pennsylvania. He earned a degree in 2024 in secondary education in interdisciplinary studies to provide him a broad range of opportunities.

But his call to serve was on his mind, he said.

He was interested in the G.I. Bill and traveling the world. He looks forward to the opportunities the Army provides in serving in Europe, specifically Germany, and in South Korea.

A football player in high school as well as a baseball player in high school and college, Horoshko hopes to engage in the recreational sports when deployed. After training, he will be on a rotation of being sent overseas for one year and then a year in the United States.

The Armed Forces recruiters could be found at most high school career fairs. However, Horoshko noted he did not meet with recruiters in high school. He began his informational journey when he attended college. He has a friend in the Navy who helped him navigate the process. Originally, his plan was to join the Navy, but food allergies to tree nuts removed him from consideration. The Navy considered him being on a ship in the middle of an ocean and perhaps experiencing an allergic reaction.

His interest in nuclear engineering appeared to come to a halt.

Horoshko’s parents are proud their son has chosen his career path and were disheartened to learn about the Navy’s rejection due to food allergies. Mom Sheri Horoshko happened to be at the chiropractor whose office was next door to the Army Recruiting Office. She dropped in and spoke with the recruiters about her son’s dilemma with the Navy. The Army required a signed waiver regarding the food allergies and the process began.

Horoshko shared there is a lot of paperwork involved.

Horoshko acknowledged the efforts of Sgt. Jason Bandy in helping him complete this process. Horoshko will pursue geospatial engineering, which involves making maps of areas the Army might need to build specific structures or to serve the community.

“I never thought of geospatial engineering. My only focus was on nuclear engineering with the Navy,” he said.

Horoshko will collect, manage and analyze geographic data and create 3D models mapping elevations. He will use programs such as GIS, GPS and remote sensing for urban planning projects, disaster management, environmental assessment and infrastructure development.

Horoshko will use the spatial data to solve complex problems, improve decision-making and provide situational awareness across various industries. For example, if a hurricane was approaching, Horoshko would develop maps depicting areas for safety during natural disasters.

He has committed to four years of service and after one year, he could pursue Officer Training School.

Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Emmaus, Monsignor Edward Coyle wrote a letter of reference for Horoshko for Officer Candidate School. Previously, Coyle had served as Chaplain for the Pennsylvania National Guard.

Horoshko is most excited about being a part of the camaraderie of the Army and looks forward to getting to know people from all over the United States.

He will participate in 10 weeks of basic training. Fourteen additional weeks of Advanced Individual Training or AIT follows to allow him to focus on his specialty job training.

Horoshko admitted one of the challenges of entering the Army involves learning the various types of weaponry.

“There’s always a danger in serving in the military,” Horoshko explained. “I am not a hunter and using a variety of guns is different for me. But, I trust the training I will receive will prepare me.”

Horoshko will spend two weeks in marksmen training.

His four year commitment will take him through 2029.

“I am looking forward to seeing what happens from there,” he said.

Sheri Horoshko said her son leaving for basic training is similar to when he left for college.

“You don’t want them to leave, but we are excited for him to find his next step. We are so proud of his decision but selfishly, we will miss him,” she said.

Dad Scott Horoshko wanted to spend time with his middle son before he left and asked him what he would like to do. Dad was hoping for a golf outing, but his son said he wanted to hike the Appalachian Trail.

The two embarked on a 14-mile hike with his son carrying his backpack and dad taking a walking stick. The two were able to share quality time before Horoshko’s departure. His girlfriend who works in accounting in Pittsburgh is the daughter of a Marine and she understands his commitment. They plan on maintaining a long distance relationship.

Horoshko said he will miss his parents, his older brother Jake, of Philadelphia and his younger sister Riley, who attends Temple University as well as his friends. But mostly, Horoshko will miss his dog Finnegan.

His family and friends support him, are proud of him and celebrate him as a member of the United States Army.

Individuals interested in pursuing a path in the Armed Forces may contact Sgt. Jason Bandy at 484- 241-1347.