COLORS DON’T RUN IN THIS MILITARY FAMILY

Lowell Sun
April 6, 2010 Tuesday
Massachusetts

CHELMSFORD For Felix Gregorian, nothing could be prouder than having
two sons attending the most prestigious military academies in the
land. Not even two tours overseas with the United States Army in Iraq
and Afghanistan, where he was immersed in a hotbed of hostility.

Say what you want about sibling rivalries, but when Dro Gregorian got
accepted into the Naval Academy at Annapolis in 2006, his brother
Greg wasn t to be denied. His acceptance came three years later to
the Military Academy at West Point.

Add it up and it represents nearly $400,000 in full scholarship grants,
not to mention the endorsements each received from their congressmen
and community. And should they be deployed like their dad, it goes with
the territory. Both boys are disciplined in the highest military order.

On May 29, Dro will graduate from Annapolis. He will take a leave
of absence throughout June, then return to the Naval Institute to
finish Introductory Flight Screening this summer. Then he ll report
to a squadron and complete a three-year tour.

"After researching and applying to different schools, I decided
the Naval Academy had the most to offer in terms of majors, sports,
extra-curricular activities and service assignments," said Dro. "My
father taught me it was an honor and privilege to serve. The branch
didn t matter."

At Chelmsford High, he played varsity soccer and ran track. Dro was a
member of the North Andover AYF and served as chapter president. He
remained active with St. Gregory Church where he was ordained as an
acolyte and stole bearer.

At graduation, Dro had been offered full ROTC scholarships from the
Navy, Army and Air Force.

His typical day starts at 6:30 a.m. with formation, then a full
class load. Afternoons consist of intramural sports and conditioning
while evenings are devoted to study time until 11 p.m. His major is
mechanical engineering.

His freshman year, Dro went out for lightweight crew before joining
the high-power rifle team. As a first sergeant his sophomore year,
his role leaned toward the care and welfare of underclassmen in terms
of professionalism, military appearance, fitness and high academic
standing.

He later became Company Executive Officer, taking command of 150
midshipmen, followed by a Battalion Administrative Officer this
semester in charge of five company officers.

The fact his brother chose West Point caused somewhat of a dilemma
when the two schools clash during their traditional football Army-Navy
rivalry.

When Felix attended the game last fall with his wife, Candace, the
parents divided their time on each side of the stands.

"This year s Army-Navy game was especially remarkable because of the
rivalry, not only between the two services but between my brother as
well," Dro admitted. "Despite our differences, we did spend the entire
game together with our family. I was especially pleased that day. Navy
won, of course, just like they ve done for the past eight years."

Brother Greg is a mirror image of his older brother who, no doubt, was
a big influence. He, too, was a scholar-athlete at Chelmsford High,
graduating with a 3.75 GPA. He captained the track team and played
varsity soccer, filtering through the AYF ranks with the North Andover
Chapter and playing in the HMEM Olympic Games. He was a member of two
honor societies and like his brother, served St. Gregory Church with
diligence as a stole bearer and acolyte.

"Seeing my brother apply was a huge reason for my application,"
said Greg.

"There is no question in my mind when it comes to becoming part
of the world s most elite military. My brother s insight was also
indispensable, as was my father s initiative to attend. Growing
up with all the military toys, watching war movies and dressing as
soldiers during Halloween played a big influence in our younger years.

The military is my call."

Greg was accepted to six of the nine schools to which he applied. His
three rejections were by the military academies. He attended Virginia
Tech for a year and enrolled in the Marine ROTC program.

Greg reapplied to West Point and Annapolis, was turned down by the
Naval Academy but got the appointment to West Point.

"It was a hard decision leaving Virginia Tech and repeating my freshman
year, but the best one I could have made," he said. "Forbes ranked West
Point the number-one college in the nation and for good reason. The
military training and academic curriculum here are top-notch."

His daily schedule is much like his brother s austere and by the book.

Study, gym time, meals. Marksmanship, land navigation, treatment of
combat wounds are among the required classes for plebes (freshmen).

Taps occur at 11:30 p.m.

"It is not a normal college," Greg said. "There are no parties. This
is a disciplined institution which trains military officers for
the future."

Currently ranked 836th in a class of 1,242 with a 2.7 GPA, Greg
expects to be deployed once he leaves. He hopes the concentration
will be Intelligence, Armor, Field Artillery or Infantry.

"I m prepared to serve my country wherever I m needed," he says. "…

I thank all the men and women currently serving America in the Armed
Forces and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect
our freedom."

Which all bodes well with the Patriarch General of this military unit.

Felix Gregorian offers a hearty salute to his two sons.

He s been with the Army Reserves 22 years and works in the
respiratory-care program at Brigham & Women s Hospital.

"We live in the best country with the best opportunities," he said.

"Our Armenian veterans are prominent in every conflict with every
nation down through the course of history… They are proof that
patriotism is alive and well."