Jakarta –
A man named Jovan Zachary Winarno tells of his journey as a soldier in the United States. Unexpectedly, the man from Surabaya could not even speak English before. Thanks to his career choice, Jovan also has a lot of life experience to be paid hundreds of millions at the age of only 21 years.
Johan’s choice to work as a soldier stemmed from his desire to study in the US. Before his parents had lived in Uncle Sam’s country for five years. But when he was six months old, they returned to Indonesia. In 2018, Johan, who has been a US citizen since birth, decided to return to his country of birth.
Before starting college, Johan was determined to have work experience and then went to Texas to become a restaurant service. Until one day, he got information about army recruitment.
Although not fluent in English, Johan decided to join the military because he was attracted by the various benefits, such as school allowances, health insurance, housing, daily meals, to gym fees. His choice took the family by surprise. Even though it was hard at first, the parents finally chose to give support.
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jovan zachary winarno Photo: Instagram @jovanzachary– |
Reported by VoA Indonesia, Johan was then offered to join the navy and immediately agreed. After undergoing training, he did not expect to be harshly trained and scolded for two weeks. Johan was also given one minute to call his parents before participating in a two-month rigorous training.
“At first it was like relaxing on the bus, then when I got off, there was one (person) with the rank of Chief if I’m not mistaken. (He) immediately shouted, ‘Come on down! Come on down!’ It’s like saying dirty things,” said Johan. “Like being scolded,” added the man with the rank of E4 (tantama).
This made him feel afraid and doubt his choice to become a soldier. But after being lived, he admitted that he was used to it. After the training was over, the man who had a YouTube account then took a test to determine the job and chose to become a ship technician.
 jovan zachary winarno Photo: Instagram @jovanzachary– |
As a technician who checks the engines of the navy ships that are docked, Jovan works three times a week from 07:00 to 16:00. According to him, the job is not difficult because you just have to follow the guidebook. The only obstacle that is often faced is the language. “I’m afraid to talk sometimes. I usually (translate) first if for example I don’t know what I want to say. After that I just said,” said the man who likes to play this game.
During the last two years as a Navy soldier, he has visited several countries, Panama, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Colombia. But this also often makes Johan miss his family who are also often worried about his whereabouts when he loses contact. “When I was sailing last year. Four months if I’m not mistaken. So we can contact the family at least once a day, just an hour. That’s all,” he said.
 jovan zachary winarno Photo: Instagram @jovanzachary– |
From his current job, Johan earns a salary of around Rp. 575 million to Rp. 718 million per year. Even so, he still wants to pursue his dreams while keeping his promise to his parents, which is to finish college. He is expected to complete his studies and graduate as an engineer in America.
Johan also shared his message with people who were interested in becoming soldiers. He advised to be mentally strong. “For the army, we have to be far from family, from friends. It’s like life is 100 percent different,” said the man who will still be a Navy soldier until 2024.
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