Ever since Byron Nolde was born at Fort Belvoir military base in Virginia, he has always had the Army marching through his blood.

The 18-year-old Oxford freshman is now using Central Michigan University’s ROTC program to live out his dream.

“Ever since I was little I always wanted to be in the military,” Nolde said. “Some kids want to be athletes, but I’ve always wanted to be in the Army.”

It’s not unusual that Nolde gravitated toward the military – he comes from a family that has a strong tradition of serving their country.

His grandfather was Col. William B. Nolde, who worked as a professor of military science at CMU, and was the last combat casualty of the Vietnam War. CMU has since established the the “Colonel B. Nolde Scholarship” in his honor.

Nolde’s uncle Brent Nolde was a Marine veteran of 20 years, and his father, Bart Nolde, was a major in military intelligence serving on the East German border during the Cold War.

“It’s a good lifestyle and a good cause,” Byron Nolde said, referring to the military. “You can’t beat it.”

Byron Nolde said he didn’t know what to expect coming into the ROTC program.

“When I came to college I was one of the most unorganized people you’d know,” Byron Nolde said. “In high school I’d do my homework 20 seconds before class started. Now I do it a few days in advance.”

His love for the military is similar to another one of his passions – sports. His favorite sports include basketball, football and golf.

“Sports and the military have a lot of the same connections,” he said. “In football, you need to be able to change your plans as certain situations occur and the military is the same way. You need to be in shape for both.”

Growing up, Byron Nolde has lived all over the country, in places such as Bay City; Tampa Bay, Fla.; Houston; and Petoskey.

Midland junior Harmony McCoy is Byron Nolde’s squad leader and said Nolde learns anything they teach him.

“He shows really good leadership and is confident,” McCoy said. “Everyone in our squad respects and trusts him, which is impressive for a freshman.”

Mason freshman Nick Vandermoere said Nolde hasn’t missed a day of training.

“He’s willing to lead and willing to listen,” Vandermoere said. “He sets a good impression and we’ve only been here for a month.”

Bart Nolde said he is very proud of his son.

“I think every young American should serve in the military, and I’m very happy he’s serving,” Bart Nolde said. “He’s following his heart, and there is nothing I would rather have my son do than serve as an officer in the Army.”

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E-mail the author: Joe Borlik