PENSACOLA, Fla. - Lance Cpl. Thomas Korner, a native of Goshen, Connecticut, is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps assigned to Aviation Enlisted Aircrew Training School (AEATS) amongst sailors and Marines who are developing the skills needed to be combat-ready aviation professionals.
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| Photo by Ensign Tiffany Savoie, Navy Office of Community Outreach |
Korner is a 2024 graduate of Wamogo High School.
Korner joined the Marine Corps one year ago. Today, Korner is a student learning the skills necessary to be a naval aircrewman.
“I joined the Marine Corps to be a better person, even though it would have been easy to take a simpler route,” Korner said. "Also, I joined because I wanted to fly. It's amazing."
The skills and values needed to succeed in the military are similar to those found in Goshen.
“In a small town, you know everybody, so your name goes a long way,” Korner said. "This taught me the importance of accountability. It's the same in the military."
Located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida, AEATS provides training to enlisted aircrew and rescue swimmer candidates. The training is physically demanding and involves instruction on topics such as aircrew duties and assignments, survival, first aid and water rescue procedures. With these skills, enlisted aviation personnel from the Navy and Marine Corps will eventually be assigned to fleet squadrons as naval aircrewmen.
Korner serves a Navy and Marine Corps that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation's prosperity and security.
Korner has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“My proudest accomplishment is becoming a Marine and taking on the challenge of becoming a naval aircrewman,” Korner said.
Korner can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the military requires me to push myself to be better for my team and my family,” Korner said.
Korner is grateful to others for helping make a military career possible.
“I want to thank my parents who have supported me through the process of boot camp and other challenges,” Korner added.