Blog / Students May 30, 2016
May 30, 2016
Jacob Salcido has many fond memories from his time in the military, but working in sub-zero weather isn't one of them.
Memorial Day
Originally called Decoration Day, Memorial Day was initiated to honor soldiers who died during the American Civil War.
Memorial Day is not to be confused with Veterans Day. Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who died while serving; Veterans Day celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans.
It typically marks the start of the summer, while Labor Day marks its end.
Salcido joined the Army in 2011 and spent most of the next four years stationed in Alaska. An Orange County native, he said temperatures sometimes would dip to 60 degrees below zero.
"It's called 'Arctic training.' It was a lot of fun, but I don't want to do it again," he said.
Now Salcido is enrolled in the optical technician program at American Career College-Orange County. At the spring career fair, he handed out resumes and business cards to recruiters while checking out externship opportunities.
Salcido said he planned on spending Memorial Day relaxing with his family, many of whom are also veterans.
"I have a greater respect than I ever had before towards military members. It's a thankless job, definitely a selfless service that I can now appreciate. It just has so much more worth to me now," he said.
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