Austinite Curtis Johnson enlisted in the Navy following his graduation from Lyndon Baines Johnson Early College High School (LBJ).
Six months after joining the service, Austin NBC affiliate KXAN reported, Johnson completed training to become a member of the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard.
Per the station, Johnson underwent 10 weeks of intensive training.
He told KXAN the elite accomplishment required so much from him and those on a similar trajectory.
“Since joining the Navy, I have learned to put up with and persevere through hardship and I better manage my own emotions,” he said in the report.
KXAN reported that the guard’s primary mission is to represent the Navy in some of the country’s most prestigious ceremonies such as the presidential inaugurations and foreign dignitaries’ arrivals in and around Washington, D.C.
According to the Navy’s website, the guard was founded in 1931 and is based at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.
It’s comprised of a drill team, color guard, casket bearers and firing party, the station reported.
Members are chosen while they’re attending boot camp at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois, according to KXAN.
Those selected possess expertise in close order drill, coordination and timing, the station reported.
Johnson told KXAN that he originally joined the Navy as a chance to explore the world.
“To me, serving in the Navy means to serve and put other people before myself,” he said.