JOB CORPS 
Graduate Kendrick Russ with Instructor Darryel Gaines
Whitney M. Young Jr. Job Corps graduate, Kendrick Russ, 21, is now on his way to establishing a military career with the US Army. Russ was sworn into the Army on November 26th, 2019 and left Whitney M. Young Jr. Job Corps January 21st, 2020 for nine weeks of basic training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. Following basic training he will report to Fort Sill in Oklahoma where he will serve as a 13 Foxtrot Joint Fire Support Specialist, operating large weapons.
Russ had always wanted to join the Army but prior to enrolling at Whitney M. Young Jr. Job Corps he struggled to lose weight to meet the Army’s physical requirements. That changed when the Moss Point, MS, native came to Whitney M. Young Jr. Job Corps and learned self-discipline and the importance of setting goals.
He completed the Cement Masonry training program at Whitney M. Young Jr., and earned a number of nationally recognized certifications, including OSHA-10, Pre-Apprenticeship Green Awareness, Scaffold Awareness, 3M Respiratory Fit, High Performance Insulations Professionals, and Cement Mason Pre-Apprenticeship.
Russ said that Job Corps humbled him and taught him independence, respect and a strong work ethic.
At the center’s MOnday morning business meeting on January 13th, Russ presented a “pin of appreciation” to his trade instructor, Darryel Gaines. Russ thanked Gaines for teaching him skills to manage his life and turning him into a mature man. He also acknowledged two other staff members who helped him on his Job Corps journey; Social Development Director Nicholas Duvall and Residential Advisor Larry Davis.
In talking about his decision to enlist in the Army, Russ said he did not join for himself, he joined to protect others. “It’s not for me, it’s for everyone else. I want to be selfless and not selfish.”
Russ’s message to young people considering the Job Corps program is: “Job Corps is what you make of it. With hard work and effort, things will come to you. You have to come at it positively and not with a negative attitude. The support is there!”
Thank you, Kendrick Russ, for your selfless sacrifice to serve our country. We salute you!