Welch Wins Dennis Smith Memorial Scholarship

Dennis Smith was a WWII Army Medic from Whitehall who played a key role in building the Whitehall veterans' organizations into what they are today. The Dennis Smith $1,000 Scholarship is awarded to a deserving senior who answers the question, "What is a Veteran?" Following is Welch's essay.

Each year, tens of thousands of young adults choose to enlist in the United States military. For many high school graduates, the choice isn't just about securing a stable job; it's about seeking purpose, direction, and a sense of belonging to something larger than themselves. I believe the decision to enlis...