The United States Marine Corps Reserve welcomed another young man with a commitment to service Thursday.
Andrew Wetzel, son of Andy and Jenny Wetzel, signed with the U.S. Marine Corps in the company of his brothers, Ryan and Nate, his grandfathers, Andy Wetzel and Ted Pate, the Elizabethton High School baseball team, Head Coach Ryan Presnell and family.
“I’ve always wanted to be a leader in life and to help people,” said Wetzel. “The Marine Corps has always been stationed in that principal, and I want to serve with them, whether it is helping people in Afghanistan or right here in the U.S.”
Wetzel is a fourth generation Marine, following the legacy of his father, Master Sergeant Andy Wetzel II, and his father and grandfather. “The fact that he is joining makes me very proud,” his father said.
Staff Sergeant Andrew Baye has been working with Wetzel to prepare him for his service and said he is a very respectful young man who comes from a line of honorable Marine men.
Coach Presnell said, “We are a program of character, so when one of our young men goes into the service, it’s a day we celebrate. Our country is in good hands with a young man like Drew signing.”