Squad:  34 - Loose Hawgs

Hometown:  Bolingbrook, IL.

High School:  Marquette Manor Baptist Academy

Major:  Biology, with plans to become a M.D.

When he was 5 years old and on a family reunion near Colorado Springs in 1994, the Primm family visited the USAFA.  It was then, that he decided that he would like to attend.  We inquired there what it would take to attend and one of the responses was "never get a B".  Throughout his schooling he achieved that goal.  In his Junior year in high school he applied, was accepted to the Summer Seminar in 2006 and enjoyed the week there.  In November, 2006 he received his Assurance letter and on December 10, 2007 he was nominated by Judy Biggert and Barak O'bama.  He had the fortunate help and guidance of a fellow schoolmate, Jason Scalzitti, also a graduate of Marquette Manor Baptist Academy in Downers Grove, IL. who is a 2005 graduate of USAFA (& a Cadet Group Commader).  Jason and his family helped immensely in knowing what to expect while being a "smack"; knowing the 7 responses the day of In-Processing was a good thing, he found out.  He enjoyed his first year as much as anyone can and as far as Recognition, the day after it was finished he said it was something "I'd do all over again".

Along with wanting to attend USAFA, being a surgeon has been his goal.  While he still wishes to achieve that, a phrase that his ALO, Major Valsquez said during the interview process is that the goal of the AFA is to "Fly, Fight, Win", and that has stuck with Joel.  Becoming a pilot has recently peaked his interest.

Joel was raised in a Chevrolet family and the day before his in-processing he bought a rust free Chevrolet from the owner in Canon City, CO.  This is the link to the story on his car  1978 Malibu Wagon

The summer of 2009 Joel spent the first session at home helping dad put a "stealth" rebuilt, 4-bolt main, balanced and blueprinted Small block and 700R4 O/D trans in his wagon.  Second session is a Cadre teaching Evasion at Combat Survival Training and 3rd session he is a Cadre for Interceptors Flight B in Jack's Valley.

For the summer of 2010, Joel will be continuing his research project at a private corporation, where the goal is turning algae into fuel.

Some more pics:

          

Joel's brother works in Wheaton after graduating with a degree in accounting from Bob Jones University, Niki is a Senior at Marquette Manor and Danielle is a freshman.

 

Josh and Joel at Sonics during Spring Break in Pigeon Forge, TN.  They are standing next to the 1971 Monte Carlo Josh drove up from SC; the same car his father had at the same school 29 years before.

 

4 of Joel's great uncles served in the Air Force, 3 in the 50's (Tom, Jim and Dave Primm) and 1 (Tom Duym) started during the Viet Nam war and retired from the Air Force Reserves in September, 2006 as a Chief Master Sgt. and currently resides in Batavia, IL.  All 4 are retired.

 

This is the banner displayed at Joel's graduation party, prior to leaving for In-procesing.

 

 

Some pics from the summer of 08.