Under the Program, Damon, a senior at Calhoun County High School, Mt. Zion WV, will complete his High School education and report to the U.S.N. Recruit Training Center, Camp Moffett, Great Lakes IL on 09/16/2003 to begin Boot Camp.

The DEP has the advantage of a contracted guarantee to choose his grade (job). Upon completion of Basic Training, Damon will begin a 24 week "A" school to qualify as a Gunner's Mate (GM), a source grade from which he can further achieve his long-standing goal of serving his Country as a United States Navy SEAL Team Member.

Joe and Damon live in Big Bend WV and are former residents of Joshua Tree CA, where Damon attended JT Elementary 2-6 and Yucca Valley Jr. High 7-8.