A shared mix of patriotism and curiosity led twin brothers Jason and Josh Valiani to join the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps at Bowie High School.
Now, drive and determination will carry them this summer to the U.S. Naval Academy Preparatory School, the first step in a journey that the 17-year-old identical twins hope will end in the Marine Corps.
The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks occurred only weeks after the brothers joined the JROTC. The attacks opened their eyes to the challenges of military careers, and both decided they were up for it.
"I joined basically just to try it out and see what it was like, but then September 11 changed my view on a lot of things. That made me more willing to apply myself towards the unit, and then I just started getting more and more into it," Jason said.
The brothers say their involvement in the JROTC at Bowie enhanced their relationship. "Being twins, we've always been close," Jason said. "(JROTC) brought out more interests that we shared. In that sense, it might have made us closer."
His brother added: "It helped me and Jason learn to work better together."
They also were involved with the Young Marines program, which is run by retired Marines and emphasizes community service, drug prevention, academic achievement and physical fitness. That cemented the brothers' decision to join the Marines.
Josh said he was motivated to become a Marine because of the opportunities that his parents, Sal and Peggy Valiani, have received in the United States.
His father immigrated to the U.S. from Pakistan when he was 16, and his mother is the child of Cuban immigrants.
"Since this country has given them so many opportunities to make a good home for their families, I want to protect that right to make it possible for other people to do the same for their families," Josh said.
Both had little doubt about where they would get the best training.
The Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, R.I., is a 10-month program for students to improve their skills in English, mathematics, chemistry, physics and information technology.
Successful graduates often move on to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., which receives tens of thousands of applications annually for several hundred spots. The academy trains students for the Navy and Marine Corps.
U.S. Rep. Lamar Smith, R-San Antonio, nominated the brothers to attend the school. When their acceptance letters arrived in January, Josh said, he was relieved.
If they make it to the Naval Academy, Josh plans to major in mechanical engineering, and Jason wants to major in aerospace or structural engineering.
When they aren't joking or teasing, the twins are each other's biggest supporter.
Josh on Jason: "He's a very outgoing person, well-rounded person. He likes to help others. He's very dedicated towards his country."
Jason on Josh: "He's one of those people who would do most anything for the people he cares about. He's always said that he's wanted to serve our country to protect those who can't protect themselves, and that's been his big thing."
The twins are the youngest of their parents' four sons. Family members said their ambition and maturity disguise their age.
"They set goals at a very young age and just went for them," Peggy Valiani said.
"It's unbelievable about both of them getting in there," their father said. "We couldn't be more proud of them. Every goal that they've set, they've almost met."
rhill@statesman.com; 445-3620