Lone Soldiers: Atlanta-Born Aircraft Technician Says Living in Israel ‘Settled his Soul’
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Brad had to convince his commanders that his Hebrew was good enough to study for his dream job: working on fighter aircraft.
Photo Credit: IAF Spokesperson
He graduated after three and a half months as a “model soldier” with the highest grades, and a clean accident sheet. He was assigned to a new base and, once again had to overcome people’s low expectations of how he would fare there as a foreigner.
“I would sit down and listen to them talking about how low my chances were to survive,” he said, “and I was sitting right there…”
They warmed up to him, he says, once they realized he understood their jokes.
When his parents came to visit, the camp brass went all out for them, including a Power Point presentation they prepared, about Brad’s contributions to the base.
“My mom and my dad were in tears,” he said. “Proud doesn’t describe how they felt, you’ll need a stronger word. My dad said to me: You amaze me.”
Brad is completing his regular service in two months, and he’s being courted by the Army to sign up for extended service and attend officers’ school. But he’s not staying in the military. Instead, he’s planning to visit his parents in the States, then come back and start applying for university.
His parents have helped him purchase an apartment in Hertzelia. “I now own part of the land of Israel,” he says.
tell a friendAbout the Author: JewishPress.com Senior Internet Editor Yori Yanover has been a working journalist since age 17, before he enlisted and worked for Ba'Machane Nachal. Since then he has worked for Israel Shelanu, the US supplement of Yedioth, JCN18.com, USAJewish.com, Lubavitch News Service, Arutz 7 (as DJ on the high seas), and the Grand Street News. He has published two fun books: The Cabalist's Daughter: A Novel of Practical Messianic Redemption, and How Would God REALLY Vote.
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What a terrific story for all involved….. You must be so proud! What a great kid!
I was very touched by both interviews. Both kids are so deep, and able to speak plainly and clearly about their feelings and their lives. Truly impressive.
That's my boy.
Incredible!!!!!!!
So proud of Brad!!!
Very nice article
Lovely article!!!!!!
WHAT CAN THE BOBBA AND ZAIDA SAY ABOUT THEIR GRANDSON AND HIS PARENTS??? We are SO proud of all of you and especially to Cher and Rod for all the love hard work that went into making this very very special young man!!!!!!! We love you all !!
Brad is an extraordinary young man. His story is truly inspiring and I can see why you are so proud of him!
Wow, what a guy, who would have thought! Enjoy all his amazing achievements,
Oy such nachus! We are so proud of you Brad!
I can just picture you guys as I read the article. Rodney's big grin!You have a lot to be proud of.
You guys just have to be very proud of this amazing young man. What did you do that is so very right?
Wow, wow, wow! Mazaltov Cherise and Rodney. You must be so proud XXX.
whow from his bris in Houston, Barmi in Atlanta and now this!!! y'all must be SOOOOO proud!! well done
Mazeltov! Such nachas xx
What a terrific story for all involved….. You must be so proud! What a great kid!
I was very touched by both interviews. Both kids are so deep, and able to speak plainly and clearly about their feelings and their lives. Truly impressive.
That’s my boy.
Brad is an extraordinary young man. His story is truly inspiring and I can see why you are so proud of him!
Wow, what a guy, who would have thought! Enjoy all his amazing achievements,
You guys just have to be very proud of this amazing young man. What did you do that is so very right?
Wow, wow, wow! Mazaltov Cherise and Rodney. You must be so proud XXX.