All in the Family: Three Kids All Serving in Navy

Sayville resident Astrid Bonamico is one extremely proud mother. As a single parent, she moved to Sayville in November of 1996 with her three small children – ages three, four and seven. Astrid came to Sayville because she wanted her kids in a safe community and to attend good schools. Now, 15 years later, all three of her children made the decision to give back to their country by enlisting in the military. Here’s her story:

Tell me a little bit about your family and your history here in Sayville.

Prior to 1996, we lived in a few other towns but never long enough to “settle down” and call it home. Nicholas, Heather and Justin attended school. Through the years, like so many kids, they spent many weekends playing soccer at . As they got older and were able to participate in school sports, Justin belonged on the school soccer team, and wrestled from a young age through high school. Heather played soccer and lacrosse during her school days. She was the varsity goalie for the girls’ soccer and lacrosse team for the last few years. In 2009 Heather helped the girl’s lacrosse team win the League Championship title, something the girl’s lacrosse team had never done before.

How did all your children decide on a career in the Navy? Why did your first decide to join? What motivated the second and third?

In 2005, Nicholas moved from Sayville to Patchogue to live with his father. Nicholas graduated Patchogue Medford High School in 2007. After high school, Nicholas often spoke of joining the Navy, but he was hesitant to speak to a recruiter. He attended college for a few semesters but wasn't motivated in a classroom any more. He had a few odd jobs for some time.

As Heather was ending her junior year in high school it was time to think about college, about playing soccer in college. She considered attending Dowling, and several other colleges. The colleges needed to offer the Army ROTC program. She wanted to go to college on an ROTC scholarship. That was until a recruiter from the Patchogue Navy Recruiting office called to tell her what the Navy had to offer. December of 2009 Heather and I met with the recruiter and she was amazed at what the Navy can offer a young person – a career, a college education, the opportunity to travel and great leadership skills. Basically, she was offered a future that is guaranteed to be successful if she chooses to work hard. Soon after that Heather decided she would join the Navy and get her college education through the Navy. It wasn’t until after Heather spoke to the recruiter that Nicholas made an appointment to speak to the recruiter as well. Heather and Nicholas are both going to school for Advanced Electronic Computer field training (learning to repair and maintain communication systems and radar systems on naval fleets and aircraft carriers.)

Justin is now a senior in Sayville High School. Going to college is not what Justin finds exciting. All these years of school have been long enough for him. He likes personal challenges and adventure. After hearing the many careers that the Navy had to offer his brother and sister, Justin was very interested in finding a job that sounded exciting, yet not necessary to spend four years in a classroom to learn. Justin will be joining the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team in the U.S. Navy. Along with Explosive Ordnance training (special warfare), Justin will go to Jump school for parachuting, helicopter insertion, and diver training school. This will give him many personal challenges.

Was there something about Sayville or in their upbringing that got them interested in the military?

As young adults my children were introduced to a local program called Army National Guard Corp of Cadets. It was a leadership program for youngsters from 10 to 17 years old. All three joined this program and were exposed to many military personnel whom they learn to look up to. These were people who took time to volunteer to teach these young kids about life skills, teamwork and leadership. One summer the kids went to an actual military training camp with many other cadets and spent a week in “boot camp for kids.” We know several personal friends who have made a career as soldiers in the Army. Several teachers in Sayville High School also influenced Heather to make her decision final.

You are obviously a very proud parent. What do you admire most about your children's decision?

I am very proud of the choices my children have made about their futures. I have always been supportive of my children and the personal goals they set for themselves. Most recently finished his 2011 season as League V Champion (130 pound weight class). It was through the weekly Navy Seal training that he participates in that gave him the strength and mindset to become a stronger wrestler than he had been in previous seasons. I have encouraged them to be strong, believe in themselves, tried to teach them that even though life may be difficult at times, not to let those days discourage you. The last two months before Heather left for the Navy she was at the gym six days a week to get in the best physical shape possible. She was determined to make everyone proud of her as she set sail. They have committed to serve and defend our country knowing that there will be many personal sacrifices made along the way to fulfill this commitment.