Whether based upon stereotype or misunderstanding, we often associate certain types of military duty with specific branches of the armed forces. With regard to nautical service, this tends to include service in either the Navy or Coast Guard.
For local veteran Kurtis Kennon, his introduction to maritime operations came while serving in tugboat operations with the U.S. Army.
"I always knew that I wanted to join the service," Kennon said. "I figured the benefits would help me through college, and I had several family members that served as well."
Shortly after his graduation from Bismarck High School in 1976, he enlisted in the Army after touring Fort Leonard Wood with a recruiter.