Military families with military background

By Hailey Trealout

Families play a big role in shaping the lives of younger generations.

As children grow up they find their role models and use them as an influence towards the choices they make. One such influence might be a military background in the family.

Windsor Regiment member, Officer John Celistino said his father played a big part in his decision to join the military.

“My dad used to take me to all the military gatherings with the families that we have at the end of the year,” said Celistino. “I was pretty much raised into the army by my dad. We would always play these games but they would somehow revert back into the army. My dad was happy for me when I joined (the military), I think it’s something that my family always wanted but he never forced it on me.”

For some, it’s the younger generations who are the influence for a soldier to enlist. Cpl. Claude Beaulieu started serving nearly five years ago after his son made the decision to serve. He said his family has deep roots in the military and the stories that made it back from war provided inspiration for him and his son.

“I think the big influence is when you’re younger,” said Beaulieu. “I was 20 when I first wanted to sign up, and the fact that I never carried through with it was one of my regrets so when I was asked to sign up, it got me going again. For me it was a second chance, and I took it.”

Beaulieu said that parents should try and support their child if they decide to enlist and to research what members of the Canadian Forces do before saying no.

“Give them a chance,” said Beaulieu. “Have them go through with it when they’re younger and if it’s not for them, they’re not going to stay in, they’ll get out.”