Matt Trulock is enrolled in the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program at Marion Military Institute. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Matt Trulock officially entered the Corps of Cadets at Marion Military Institute (MMI) in a ‘cresting’ ceremony on Aug. 29.

The ‘cresting’ symbolizes successful completion of initial training and entrance into the school. Established in 1842, MMI is the oldest military junior college in the United States. Marion, Ala. is known as “The College City.”

Trulock is a 2014 graduate of Bob Jones High School.

Trulock and fellow cadets first completed intensive training, similar to ‘boot camp,’ at Fort Knox, Ky. for four weeks and MMI for three weeks. The students learned military strategies, such as physical fitness, water survival, rappelling, land navigation, weapons qualification, discipline and leadership.

Trulock is enrolled in the Army ROTC Early Commissioning Program, an accelerated two-year path to becoming an officer. His major is business.

After completing his sophomore year at MMI, he will be commissioned as a second lieutenant and eligible to attend any college with an Army ROTC program and complete his bachelor’s degree. Trulock intends to select a college that will help him join the active Army to serve his country.

His parents are Madison Mayor Troy and Dana Trulock. Matt is following a similar career to his father, who retired from the U.S. Army as lieutenant colonel.

Troy Trulock declined a bid to military war college to “stay in Madison and raise his family in the best community we’ve ever lived in,” Dana Trulock said. The Trulocks have lived in Madison for 14 years.

“Matt enjoys the military lifestyle. After taking two visits to Marion Military Institute’s campus, he decided it was the best place for him,” she said.

“We loved our military experience and know Matt will,” Dana Trulock said. “We’re very proud Matt has decided to follow a military career and serve our country, as so many have before him”.

At Bob Jones, Matt played soccer and football, along with recreation and club soccer, baseball and basketball. He was chosen for the “Student 2 Student” program that acclimates new students to campus.

For more information, visit marionmilitary.edu.